Homily Third Sunday of Advent Year A: Fr. Michael Ufok Udoekpo
Joyfully Awaiting Christ · Isa 35: 1-6a, 10;
· Ps 146:6-10;
· Jas 5:7-10
· Matt 11:2-11
Once in a
while we show signs of special joy and happiness in our life. This happens, let’s
say, when we mark our wedding, ordination or birthday anniversaries or when
we receive cards and surprise presents from our loved ones. Parents even name
their children- JOY. We also celebrate when we pass our examination, promoted
in a job, and even when we pass through successful medical procedures, [Many
people today, even the circular media are also very happy with the gift of our
new Pope Francis, who also titled one of his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii
Gaudium (The Gospel of Joy) ].
Every third Sunday of Advent is a moment of joy, that bears the gospel of joy.
It is called a joyful Sunday (Gaudete Sunday) - a theme also well captured in the entrance
antiphon “rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice. Indeed, the Lord is
near” (Phil 4:4-5). In my native language, we would say/sing “mfin edi usen
idara.” Today is the day of Joy! This message of Christian Joy dominates
today’s Bible Readings.
In the first
reading, the Prophet Isaiah reminds us of the joy that comes with
salvation and victory over temporary challenges. Similar message is heard in
form of music in the responsorial Psalm (Ps 146; Isa 35:4) “Lord, come and save
us…the Lord keeps faith forever, secure justice for the oppressed, sets
captives free, gives sights to the blind, provides food for the hungry, raised
those who were viciously lowered down, protects the immigrants and sustains the
orphans, widows and widowers.”
Even though
Isaiah, thousands of years ago was originally addressing the Israelites
oppressed and exiled in Assyria and Babylon – he is talking to us today in our various
weaknesses, feebleness: social, political, economic and spiritual! Our
transcends time. He strengthens not only the feeble hands, but would make firm
the knees of the exiled and, of every time and culture, and will eventually
liberate them. Such freedom would bring joy to every one of all time and
culture. As Isaiah would put it, “those whom the Lord has ransomed will return
and enter Zion, signing, crowned with everlasting joy” (35: 1-6)
In our Christian faith and hope, John the Baptist of
today’s Gospel (Matt 11:2-11), even though in prison, actually came to prepare
the way for the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the person of the redeeming
Christ, whom we anticipate at Christmas. And this is the reason why we rejoice
today, the joy of the Gospel, stressed by Pope Francis. It is as a joy to also notice
that in today’s Gospel John the Baptist acknowledges Christ as superior in his
saving grace that comes to us in a mysterious manner and when and how he wills.
Christ is the source of our energy and strength.
What a joy, what a hope. We have every reason to be
joyful. The challenge for us today, is
that, like the Israelites of old, when we feel weak, tired, frustrated, scared
of the future, betrayed, oppressed by harsh socio- political factors, or
threatened by natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, political
uncertainties, or by wars, and terrorism, or in our own imprisonment, like John
the Baptist, our hope and trust must be focused on our saving Christ, Jesus
born for us at Christmas!
Put differently,
while longing for this joy at Christmas, St. James in today’s Second reading
(Jas 5:7-10), advises us to be patient (Nyene Ime) and firm in heart. We also require tenacity
in faith, endurance, perseverance, togetherness, oneness and generosity of
spirit as we joyfully awaits Christ through our spiritual and material
preparations.
· As Christmas approaches what gives you joy?
· What can you do to bring joy to members of your family or parish community or colleagues at your places of work or school community?
