3rd Sunday of Advent - Year B - Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday
Introduction to Mass
Dearly Beloved,
Today is the third Sunday of Advent. It is also called Gaudete Sunday from Latin meaning "rejoice". It is a time to rejoice because Christmas is near.
St John the Baptizer echoes the prophet Isaiah in saying that every mountain shall be made low, every valley shall be filled, crooked ways need to be straightened. Let us examine some of the obstacles that keep us from the freedom to rejoice in waiting for the newborn King.
Lord Jesus raise us to new life:
Lord, have mercy
– Lord have mercy
Lord Jesus, you forgive us our sins:
Christ, have mercy.
– Christ, have mercy.
Lord Jesus you feed us with your body and blood:
Lord, have mercy
– Lord have mercy
Homily
A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
The Chosen People have an ancient, but valuable custom. This custom and practice can give helpful insight during this Advent Season. On special occasions, at mealtimes, they setup an empty chair at the dining table. Plates, bowls and cups are set at this empty seat. It's as if they are waiting for a special guest to arrive. Who were they waiting for? They were waiting for the prophet Elijah to return.
The Chosen People certainly believe that God will keep His promise. God will send the Messiah. But there were others self-proclaiming Messiahs. So how could they distinguish the true Messiah from false ones?
Before the true Messiah comes, their belief is that the prophet Elijah will appear. This was their belief. They believe that Elijah will return. The empty chair was for the prophet Elijah.
So if you happen to attend one of these family gatherings, and notice an empty seat. Whatever you do, just don't sit there! It's saved for the prophet Elijah.
Most prophets of the Old Testament are unique; especially prophet Elijah. Elijah has a record of doing things that was unfavorable to Queen Jezebel. He defeated her prophets at Mt. Carmel. Queen Jezebel wanted a quick end to the prophet's life. So he escaped into exile. He found refuge at a house of a widow and her son.
At the house, the widow was worried about providing for this “Man of God.” They barely had enough sustenance for themselves. But Elijah promised her that no matter how much she used, the flask of oil and and the jar of flour will never go empty.
One time, the widow’s son died, but the prophet Elijah brought him back to life. Elijah's own death is “out of this world”. Instead of having a normal death, a golden chariot emerged from the clouds and escorted him to the heavens.
The Gospel Evangelists were familiar with the ancient custom and belief. They also believed that Elijah will return and has returned. Not himself literally, but His spirit in John the Baptist. St John the Baptist is the Elijah figure and prepares the way for the Messiah.
John describes himself as the voice of crying out in the desert. His purpose is to prepare people for receiving the Lord. Many people believe his message that the Messiah is coming. So they heeded his advice. They traveled to the Jordan River and were baptized by John.
St John the Baptist, although he doesn't see himself as a prophet but he lives and dresses like one. He doesn't conform to the customs at the time because he is walking between heaven and earth. His diet consists mainly of locusts and wild honey. It's probably because the taste of insects is insipid and maybe wild honey makes it more appetizing. Furthermore, his clothing is quite unusual. It is made of camel's hair, held together by a leather belt. This is what Elijah wore in 2 Kings 1:8.
John's preaching style is 'fire and brimstone'.
(A story: I remember a priest once describe that his parish had a guest priest came to his church to give a annual retreat. As this guest priest was preaching the Gospel, the stained glass windows in the church began to rattle and shake. This took place on May 18, 1980. It turns out that Mt. St Helen erupted that morning. The priest told me that it was the best 'fire and brimstone' preaching he had ever heard.)
It would be inaccurate to describe St John the Baptist as a good preacher. He was actually a fiery preacher. His messages would “cut to the heart” and remain with his listeners. St John the Baptist can also be described as a surgeon for the soul. But when he operates, he doesn't use any anesthetic or painkillers. (Ouch!)
If I could just make three points for today...
1) St John echoes the prophet Isaiah: every valley shall be filled, mountains will be made low, crooked ways will be straightened. How do we understand this figurative language?
In ancient times, highways and roads were a rarity; not like what we have today. Whenever a Dignitary, King or Emperor or an important person were to enter into the city, the people have to change the terrain, and pave a smooth path for this important person.
Advent is a time to look at the terrain of our soul. In other words, look at the mountains, valleys and crooked ways within our soul. It is a time to pave a smooth path for the Lord. It is a time to carefully examine obstacles that are in his path and allow him to enter. Certainly Christ will always find us. But we have the option of making it easy or difficult for him to find our soul and make it his home. We want a straight and smooth path for the newborn King. It would be good to ask: what are some of the obstacles that keep me from allowing Christ to enter?
2) John the Baptizer is a key figure for the preparation of Christmas. He is the bridge between humanity and the Lord. He is someone that has one foot on earth and one foot in heaven. Some people may have two feet on earth and none in heaven, and as a result they have little room for the things of faith. In contrast some may have already have two feet in heaven, and it's usually difficult for them to relate to others and many times vice versa. At times they could adopt an unhealthy dualistic worldview. We are called to be balanced, embracing that many good things in this life and at the same time of our prayers, conduct and actions convey a consciousness of eternal life in Christ Jesus.
3) John the Baptizer says something that is very important because it is in reference to the Holy Spirit. He says: "I am baptizing you with water, but the one who is coming after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Historically, the baptism ministry of John was quite successful. Many were lining up to listen to John and be baptized by him. He also had many disciples that performed Baptisms. Our Lord also was part of John's work and ministry. That is until the beheading of John. When it happened, there was a setback, and the disciples were dispersed. Our Lord settled in Galilee. So the temporary setback gave birth to something new. Christ prepares for his ministry by calling forth disciples, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and performing miraculous healings. The prophecies of Isaiah are fulfilled: proclaiming liberty to captives, heal broken hearts, freedom for the imprisoned, and proclaim a year of favor for the Lord (which is biblical code for removing debts).
The Baptism of Christ is different from John's Baptism of water because of the Holy Spirit. Baptism of Spirit is being fully immersed in the Holy Spirit. Personally I know of people who have been baptized as an infant but after a period of being away from the Church, they return as adults and want to renew their commitment to Christ. So they would ask: Father, can you baptize me again? I'll tell them that all you need to do is make a good 'Examination of Conscience,' go to Confessions, and do penance. So that you could receive the Eucharist. If you have not been Confirmed, join the RCIA process for further study and preparation so that you can be Confirmed at Easter Vigil.
The Church doesn't allow for a baptized person to go through another baptism (unless there is doubt of the validity of the baptismal ritual performed - for instance when either or both form and matter are lacking). But sometimes I can't help but wonder that after being baptized, will the baptism stick with them? Will they remain faithful to Christ? It's sort of like when a couple enters into marriage, most of us hope and pray that their marriage vows are binding. It's also the same with the priesthood.
When people seek another Baptism, it may be because they are asking to be immersed in the life of the Holy Spirit. But for us as Catholics, the Holy Spirit is not just a vague notion and concept. The Holy Spirit is the Lord and giver of life.
Because there are visible rituals that we must undergo to convey living a life in the Spirit. That's the wisdom of Holy Mother Church, that she is a dispenser of Sacraments which are like 'pastoral safety nets' to protect us whenever there is a temporary setback, or whenever we fall from grace.
Confessions help to restore the divine life of the Trinity. Confirmation completes the initiation process where we are given the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Eucharist allows for the soul to partake in the Divine Banquet, which the Holy Spirit makes possible through the epiclesis. Exchange and renewal of vows helps to establish and strengthen the bond of marriage. Holy Thursday allows the opportunity for priests to renew their priestly commitments. And the anointing of the sick and viaticum provides strength and healing for the soul and body by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is because of Christ and his initiation and institution of the Sacraments. "I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."
Glory be...
Sending Forth:
May the Prince of Peace dwell in your soul during this holy season of Advent. May your spiritual preparations for Christmas be fruitful. May you be protected through the intercessions of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Joseph, Father of Peace. May almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
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