Third Sunday of Advent
Reading I: Zephaniah 3:14-18a
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6
Reading II: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday. The Gospel focuses on John the Baptist who had been teaching the people that it was not enough to have Abraham as father, which means, they are God’s chosen people. He confronted them with their daily life. One must be a tree that bears good fruits. It is not enough to be a Christian, to know the doctrine of the church or the teachings of the Bible, because one is only a luxuriant tree which does not produce any fruits. This explains people’s reaction to John the Baptist to ask him, “What must we do?”
We cannot be believers only in our minds and in our words. Our beliefs must be visible in our social contacts, in our concern for others. John did not call people to a bible study, to a miracle crusade, to a physical penance or to a prayer meeting. He invites them into the coming of God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God happens when everybody does well on what is expected of him. If people are attracted to the sects, or stay away from the church, it may be because we do not do what is expected of us, that is to love our neighbor, obey God’s commandments, celebrate beautiful liturgies, share responsibility with the community and make them feel they are the church.
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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