THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT - CYCLE B

Open with a prayer: God of History and Time, you promise a Savior who brings good news, freedom, and joy to the humble of heart. Give us a humble spirit to listen attentively to your voice, to discern your truth in all situations, and to be an instrument to prepare the way for the coming of Christ. We pray through your Holy Spirit who guides us and teaches us your ways. Amen.

Sharing of life question: How is the season coming for you? Are you tired, stressed out, doing ok?

Facilitator reads focus statement: This coming weekend is Gaudete ("let us rejoice") Sunday. We will light the pink candle on our Advent wreath. There is a clear theme of joy in the first and second readings and in the psalm. In the Gospel, John wants his readers to be very clear that he is not the Messiah, but the one preparing people to receive the Messiah.

Now read the readings for this coming Sunday. Pause briefly at the end of each reading.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11

In this reading, the prophet speaks of his commission as a servant of the Lord. God has anointed him with his spirit so that he may accomplish his mission to the needy. In this case, the needy are broken-hearted exiles who have just returned to a land that is in need of much reconstruction. The "I" in "I rejoice heartily..." seems to be a reference to Jerusalem, who is full of joy that God has come to forgive her sins and to restore her to righteousness. Then the prophet uses spousal imagery to describe Israel's covenant relationship with God: "...like a bride bedecked with her jewels."

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Luke 1:46-50, 53-54

The responsorial psalm is taken from Mary's Magnificat. Mary's joy at God's goodness to her echoes the joy of Jerusalem and points to the joy of all who will open their hearts to Christ.

SECOND READING: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Paul concludes this letter to the people of Thessalonica with a note of joy. Just as they accepted God's word with joy (which is a gift of the Spirit), so must their lives continue to be marked by joy -- even in the midst of their afflictions. Paul emphasizes the importance of a grateful heart and openness to the Holy Spirit: "Do not quench the Spirit." But neither should they embrace every new fad: "Test everything; retain what is good." Paul concludes with a prayer for his people: "May the God of peace make you perfectly holy...."

GOSPEL: John 1:6-8, 19-28

Last Sunday, Mark introduced us to John the Baptist; this Sunday, John the Evangelist contrasts the roles of John the Baptist with that of Jesus. John the Evangelist is writing to a community, some of whom still believed that John the Baptist was the Messiah. John the Evangelist wants his people to be very clear that John the Baptist's ministry was temporary and subordinate to that of Christ's. John is a witness to the Light. Jesus is the Light. Three times John says: "I am not the Light." When asked: "Who are you?", John says: "I am a voice pointing people to Jesus who is the Light." The "Jerusalem Jews" (some Pharisees who came in delegations to question Jesus) are the ones who constantly prefer the darkness to the light.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

  1. What verse spoke to you and how does it relate to your life?

  2. What gives you joy? What steals your joy?

  3. Who are the 'lowly' in our midst? What, can you do to help them? How about our parish? How responsive are we to the lowly?

  4. How can you be a witness to the Light during this Advent season?

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

Name one way you can act on today's readings.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the broken-hearted, prisoners and all who are held in captivity.