First Reading: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11
Responsorial: Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54
Second Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28

'Rejoice Always'
by Bishop Richard Henning

The Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudate Sunday, marks a turning point in the Advent season. In the first half of Advent, the readings summon the Christian to watchfulness for the coming of the Lord. With Gaudete Sunday, the Liturgy begins to shift its gaze towards the joyful events of Christ’s birth. This Sunday sets the tone of joyful expectation of God’s transforming action.
 
The second reading for the day gives us the motto of the day: “Rejoice Always!” The reading comes from Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. This letter is probably the earliest of Paul’s letters and is addressed to Greek city that was a trading and government center in Macedonia. It appears that after Paul’s departure, the Thessalonians sent word to Paul asking about the Lord’s return and the fate of those who might die before that return. Paul’s letter affirms Christian hope that none will be forgotten on the day of the Lord. This particular passage is taken from the last part of the letter where Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to authentic Christian life and prays for their holiness. Some among them enjoyed spiritual gifts and he urges them to careful discernment of those gifts.
 
It is interesting that Paul does not command the Thessalonians to “rejoice,” but to “rejoice always.” Is Paul suggesting that Christians must suppress their fears, their sorrows, forget their burdens and adopt an attitude of joy even in the harshest of conditions? Or is Paul teaching his hearers and us a fundamental lesson in the faithfulness and goodness of God? I believe it is the latter. They must rejoice always because God’s peace and goodness remain with them even in sorrow. God’s promises never fail and offer hope always.
 
Consider the stirring words of the Prophet Isaiah in the first reading. The passage is drawn from the latter part of Isaiah. It addresses a people who have become dispirited after their return from exile by the burdens of rebuilding and reestablishing the nation. The passage speaks of a figure that will bring God’s promises to fruition for those who suffer. This figure rejoices in the Lord’s justice and the thrill of promises fulfilled and burdens lifted. It should be no surprise that Christians see in this prophecy a prefiguring of Jesus and his ministry.
 
The response this Sunday comes not from a Psalm, but from the Gospel of Luke. It employs the beautiful words of Mary’s prayer, the Magnificat. The prayer expresses deep and abiding confidence in God’s goodness and justice. Even before the promises are fulfilled, Mary rejoices in their certainty. She truly rejoices always and demonstrates utter trust in the Lord.
 
John the Baptist is another figure who demonstrates such unconditional trust. This description of John the Baptist comes from the Gospel of John which places great emphasis on the need for authentic faith in the Lord Jesus. Such faith trusts in and responds to the Word of Jesus. It recognizes the origins of Jesus in God and the truth of his revelation of the Father. It does not remain internal, but expresses itself by professing faith in the Lord. John the Baptist is a model of such faith as he humbly diverts attention from himself to Jesus. He has devoted himself to testify to the true light and he does not waver from his God-given mission no matter the opposition.
 
Paul, Isaiah, Mary and John the Baptist rejoiced always. Suffering and difficulty never blinded them to the surety of God’s promises and the reality of God’s grace in the world and in their lives. Even when the days appeared dark, they knew the light. It is fitting then that the Church counsels us here in the midst of Advent to rejoice. We need not wait until the story is complete. We can rejoice even now in the ultimate victory.
 
In life there are so many moments when we do not feel much like rejoicing. There are many sorrows and burdens that can overwhelm us. These readings do not dismiss or belittle such sufferings. They are real indeed. Nevertheless, the readings call us to open our eyes to the fundamental truth that no suffering, no loss, no sin, not even death can stand before the power of our Loving, Saving God. In this we have cause to rejoice- not merely sometimes, not merely when we feel good, but always!