First Reading: Isaiah 35:1-6A, 10

Reflection:

In this Sunday’s first reading, the Prophet Isaiah uses the symbolism of a “desert,” “parched land,” and “the steppe” (which is a grass-covered plain) as representations of desolation. But these barren places “will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song.” This symbolism points forward to the time of the messianic fulfillment when God will save His people. Thus, Isaiah prophesies that with the coming of the Messiah there will be new life, even amidst those places where no life had dwelt. It will be a time of great joy and rejoicing. It will be a time when God will dwell amongst His people and His glory will be revealed.

This prophecy was fulfilled with the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who brings new life and salvation to the world. He is the one who reveals the fulness of the glory of God, for He is Emmanuel (“God with us”). In the gospel reading, we will see that Jesus clearly fulfilled this prophecy, for He accomplished the signs foretold by Isaiah (giving sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, speech to the mute, etc.). On this 3rd Sunday of Advent, which is called Gaudete (meaning “Rejoice!”) Sunday, let us rejoice that this prophecy has been fulfilled and experience the joyful anticipation of the celebration of Jesus’ coming at Christmas.

Second Reading: James 5:7-10

Reflection:

This Sunday’s second reading speaks once again of the Second Coming of Christ, a theme running through the readings in Advent. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas (the first coming of Christ), we are also called to prepare for Christ’s return and His final judgment. James states, “the Judge is standing before the gates.” In an ancient city, the gate was the traditional place where cases would be heard by a judge and judgments given by authorities. Jesus is the just judge, who will give to everyone according to their due. We are reminded of this judgment at His Second Coming every time we profess the Nicene Creed: “[Jesus] will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead.” When Jesus comes “to judge the living and the dead,” will He find you ready? For those who have faithfully loved him, there is nothing to fear. Jesus’ judgment will be one of offering the faithful their eternal reward and welcoming them home to heaven. But those who have not entrusted their lives to Christ will receive the due consequence for choosing to reject God–namely, eternal separation from God in hell.

As we await Christ’s return and judgment, James also exhorts us to be patient and endure the hardships of this world. The prophets of the Old Testament (including Isaiah) are one example of patient waiting, as they anticipated the coming of the Messiah. Another example James uses is farmers waiting patiently for the harvest–the fruit of their labors. These examples should challenge and inspire us to wait patiently and labor faithfully in preparation for the Lord’s return. The Advent season offers a helpful reminder to always keep eternity and God’s judgment clearly in mind and to diligently prepare ourselves to be ready to meet the Lord when He comes through steadfast faithfulness to Him.

Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

Reflection:

Prior to this Gospel reading, John the Baptist was arrested by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, for speaking out against his unlawful union with Herodias (cf. Mt. 14:3-4). While in prison, John sent his disciples to Jesus to ask Him to confirm His identity as the Messiah. It is unclear whether or not John himself had doubts about Jesus being the Messiah or if this question was posed by him for the sake of his disciples’ and the crowd’s faith. Certainly, John had already proclaimed faith in Jesus as the Messiah and even announced it at Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan. Therefore, it is likely that the latter option is correct and John was posing this question to help his disciples recognize Jesus’ identity.

Jesus responds to the question by referencing signs and wonders He has done (including, giving sight to the blind, making the lame walk, cleansing lepers, making the deaf hear, raising the dead, and proclaiming the good news to the poor). In essence, He is pointing to Isaiah’s messianic prophecy in the first reading to illustrate His fulfillment of those promises as evidence that He is the Messiah. Jesus then turns the focus from His identity to the identity of John the Baptist. At the time, there was confusion over both the identity of Jesus and the identity of John. Some even thought that John the Baptist was the Messiah. Jesus makes clear (as John himself had elsewhere) that John is the expected forerunner, a prophet who would come before the Messiah to prepare the way. Even though John is not the Messiah, Jesus still emphasizes John’s pivotal role in salvation history by stating, “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.”

Application:

  • Make an effort this Advent to joyfully prepare for Christmas and Jesus’ Second Coming at the end of time by seeking to grow in your relationship with God. Write a list of things your family is doing already this Advent in preparation of Jesus’ coming, and reflect on what you could add to that list to make Advent a more meaningful time of spiritual preparation. For some family-friendly ideas, watch this video.
  • On this Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday, make a list of things in your life that cause you to rejoice. Thank the Lord in prayer for all those things.