Today the Holy Mother Church celebrates the third Sunday of Advent and in the tradition of the Church, it is known as “Gaudete Sunday”, a Latin word which means “rejoice”. The liturgy of today highlights the theme of joy. This caption of joy is continually reinforced and emphasized because of its importance in the economy of salvation. It is a season to joyously await the coming of the new born King (Jesus). Indeed, Jesus is the reason for the season and the joy of this season comes without ceasing because its fruits bears an eternal salvation and reward for mankind.
It is a living faith that we proclaim, a joyful hope that we cherish and an amazing love of God that we nurture in our hearts and share with our neighbours. Dear friends in Christ, there are different experiences in this life that makes people to rejoice or become joyful. For instance in Nigeria situation, when PHCN (Power Holding Company of Nigeria) or as it was formerly called NEPA restores electric power after some moments of black-out, there is always an outburst or shout of joy with the exclamation “Up Nepa!” from those around the vicinity.
Also, in the game of football once a team is able to score goal, the supporters (both Spectators in the Stadium and the once viewing or listening via Television or Radio) will be rejoicing and be screaming “Goal!” Though these aforementioned earthly situations that plunges joyous atmosphere cannot be compared side by side with the eternal joy of expecting Jesus Christ the Divine light of our salvation and has secured the Goal of our Christian mission. In this Post-modern age, people are no more attuned to the word “joy”. This is because joy is a virtue and it belongs to the soul. It is the happiness of the soul. On the other hand, many are more accustomed to the word “pleasure”. It is the happiness of the body. The exhortation of Prophet Zephaniah in the first reading and that of St. Paul in the second reading to “Rejoice in the Lord!” is not an invitation to pleasure, which is sensual, ephemeral and carnal, but the joy in the Lord, which is deeply spiritual, sacred and one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.
Following the instructions of John the Baptist in the Gospel passage, we are reminded of what to do and what not to do in this life in order to be rewarded with everlasting joy. Ardent repentance, true humility, following the perfect will of God, living a life of love of God and neighbour, doing good and avoiding evil should be our inherent essence and quiddity of life. Life is a gift from God and earthly lifetime is transient and short, once lost, it cannot be recovered. We cannot turn back the hands of time. And yet, the decisions we make in this short life have eternal implications and consequences. Our eternal joy in heaven or eternal misery in hell, will depend primarily on how we lived our life in this world. Each day and each moment of the day is an opportunity for conversion and for doing good to others in order to prepare for eternal life.
The beatitudes are guidelines and ideals which we should pursue constantly. In so doing our Lord has promised us joy “You will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you” (John 16.22). One of the great contributions of Christianity is that it has brought joy to the world. We are very much familiar with the Christmas hymn – “Joy to the world”. In a few days, it will be Christmas, a great feast for us Christians, but also for the whole human race. Christmas is coming and we are asked to be joyful. This is something essential and indispensable to our Christian life. Our joy however is not just any sort. It is a joy which is found in true love and service. It is the joy of Christ which brings justice and peace. This joy is not given by the world, but by Christ himself. My dear people of God, rejoicing in the Lord does not depend on how much money we have in our bank account, or how stable Nigeria and the world economy is, or how bright the future is. Rejoicing depends entirely in Christ the Lord who is with us. We may have all the money in the world, all the success in our career, and all the luxury that this life can give, but if we live away from the Lord, we cannot have true joy.
All these things are good in themselves if they do not separate us from God, but they are not able to provide us with real and lasting joy. With money one can buy the best clock but not time, with money one can be treated in the best hospitals but healing lies in the hands of God, with money one can build the best of houses but only God sustains a peaceful home. When one visits the hospital he or she will be thankful to God for good health because at different wards, the rich also cry with the poor. When one visits the Prison, he or she will gladly rejoice and thank God for the gift of freedom. Lastly, when one visits the cemetery and sees the obituary of both the rich and poor, the young and old, he or she will be grateful to God for the gift of life, because it is in Him(God) we live, and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28).
So in the midst of our difficulties, contradictions and trials, when we see the threat of injustice or suffer its cruelty, our Christian joy will prove to be a source of strength. It will also serve to attract other people to the Faith. One important place in which we need to sow and spread great joy is our family. Our homes should peaceful and an ambiance of joy because Christ is the head. We should bring our joy to the place where we work, to our business places, offices, schools, to the people we meet even at the streets and in all our social relations. May our celebration today renew and strengthen this joy in each of us through Christ our Lord. Amen.
