Sharing of life: What are you most and least grateful for as we begin a new church year?

Facilitator reads focus statement: Traditionally, the third Sunday of Advent has been called Gaudete ("let us rejoice") Sunday. We are rejoicing because our salvation is near at hand. An obvious spirit of joy pervades the first and second readings and the psalm. In the Gospel, John responds very concretely to people who ask him: "What must we do?"

Read the readings, pausing briefly after each one. Consider reading the commentary after each reading if you have not already done so.

FIRST READING: Zephaniah 3:14-18

The book of Zephaniah is a "gloom and doom" book addressed to all who are not attentive to God's call. Today's passage is an exception. It is addressed to a small group of Israelites who remained loyal to their covenant with God in tough times. "Zion" is another name for Jerusalem who is called to "shout for joy". God, their mighty savior, is in their midst to deliver them from their misfortunes.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Isaiah 12:1-5

The psalm-response continues the theme of joy. Because God is in Israel's midst, there is nothing to fear.

SECOND READING: Philippians 4:4-7

Paul is in prison and he is writing to a community with problems from within and without. Despite all this, Paul is joyful and urges the Philippians to rejoice. The joy that Paul advocates is not a superficial joy but rather the joy that flows from a life deeply rooted in Christ, a type of joy that cannot be taken when earthly things are taken away from us.

GOSPEL: Luke 3:10-18

In the verses prior to today's Gospel, John has been issuing a strong call to repentance as the way to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. Some in the crowds opened their hearts to John's message and three times he is asked, "What must we do?" Although John himself lived an austere life removed from the ordinary pursuits of people, he does not ask his inquirers to dissociate themselves from their own lives or occupations. Rather, he challenges them to continue where they are, and to carry out their daily responsibilities with concern for others, show honesty, and integrity. All of the Baptist's instructions are relational in nature. "Do what you can to relate to others in a fair and just way." John is very concrete in his responses. He tells one group, "Share your extras." He tells tax collectors, "be just and fair." He tells the soldiers, "quit bullying people." "Don't give false witness."

Part two of today's Gospel seeks to clarify confusion about John's identity. He is not the Messiah. Rather, his role is to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah. John is a signpost, pointing people to Jesus. John seeks to help his listeners to translate their desires for conversion into appropriate and authentic words and works. As you will see in his response, John, the fiery preacher, shows himself to be remarkably practical. A "winnowing fan" was a tool used to separate wheat from chaff. The last verses were intended to scare the hard-hearted who saw no need for repentance. But for those who are making a reasonable effort to turn their lives entirely over to God (a lifetime task), there is no reason to fear.

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse, idea or image spoke to you the most in the readings?

2. What in your life gives you most joy? Why?

3. What steals your joy? Why?

4. If you asked John the Baptist what must I do this Advent to become a better Christian, what might John answer?

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

Name one way you can act on this Sunday's readings. Some suggestions: Work at naming the things that block you from enjoying life and try hard not to allow small things to rob you of joy. If you have not been to the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent plan to go and begin to prepare by asking the Holy Spirit to show you where there is sin in your life.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray for the fruit of the Spirit called joy. Pray for the grace to be joyful even when stuff around us is not going well. ©