The Third Week of Advent begins with the “Gaudette Sunday,” which means, “Rejoice!” That is, “Rejoice in the Lord always!” This gleeful assertion started in the pre-Vatican II Latin antiphon, “Gaudete in Domino semper!” As such, the traditional theme for this week is Joy. Here are some more info on this theme, followed by My Reflection.
1. The third Candle on the Advent wreath is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” Its light is a symbol of the Joy that filled the world in the past at the birth of Jesus — the joy that first came upon the shepherds on night watch in the fields when the Angel of the Lord appeared to them and said,
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
– Luke 2:10
This Candle is rose in color to remind everyone that the very joyful occasion of the Lord’s birth is truly at the heart of our Advent preparation of prayer and penitence, represented by the liturgical color purple.
2. In the First Reading for the day, the words of Prophet Isaiah described the immense joy he had deep within himself as he foretold the incredible grace from God that awaited the world with the coming of the Messiah.
“I rejoice heartily in the LORD; in my God is the joy of my soul”
– Isaiah 61:10
Such was the joy that the other Israelites felt, in anticipation of God’s promise of mercy and salvation through the Incarnation of the Savior. In our present time, we must feel that same Joy, not only as we celebrate Christmas every year to remember the fulfillment of God’s Word in the Nativity long ago, but most of all, as we await the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Read my other Reflection on the:
“First Sunday of Advent: Hope”
“Second Sunday of Advent: Faith”
My Reflection
1. We commonly and loosely use the words “Joy” and “Happiness” as synonyms. But strictly speaking, their meanings are different. Happiness is a feeling that arises from pleasure that quickly changes and varies along with our day-to-day emotions.
Joy, on the other hand, signifies something richer, according to Catholic spiritual writings:
- It is intense, ecstatic, and higher than mere happiness
- A state of one’s heart, being, and soul, which is the center of self
- An outcome of one’s communion with God
- Complete sense of happiness and fulfillment in life
- One of the fruits of Faith, Hope, and Charity: When you possess these 3 theological virtues, one result is that of total joy
- A fruit of the Holy Spirit that helps us endure trials and sufferings with a deep sense of peace resulting from being in a state of grace and living in God
2. A few days ago, I was tuned in to EWTN for the program, “The Church & the Poor,” one I often watch. The presenter, Fr. Ho Lung, delivered a beautiful Advent reflection. And he said something that has touched me deeply.
“We are not here to prove that we are part of the world. But we are here to prove that there is another world.”
Meaningful, isn’t it? I want to share with you my reflection on this thought from Fr. Lung. Anywhere these days, the media highlight the sense of self and belongingness to the world. In the social media particularly, many fall into the danger of not just simply sharing what they are up to with their family and friends, but bragging and showing off their material things or worldly experiences that bring them fleeting happiness. Thus, the pressure to belong to the world and try hard to be ‘in’ and one with them can make a person self-centered, selfish and untrue. You can become like that without even knowing it if you’re not careful. We forget that our God-given life, as the good priest said, is not meant “to prove that we are part of the world,” but to prove that we belong to God who is Love; who is kindness, compassion and righteousness.
Because of this self-centeredness and selfishness of some people to glorify themselves, to show that they’re better than others, to put an exaggerated front, to tell the world that they have “a lot going on” in their lives, it tempts others to feel bad and gives them sadness for not owning those things or doing those happy stuffs. This sadness not only dampens the spirit of those poor people, but also darkens the souls of those who cause it. Worldliness takes away the joy within them and those around them.
Claiming glory for themselves and living a lifestyle of worldly pleasure hurt Jesus because it is as if they are telling Him, “Jesus, I belong to the world, and not to You!”
Our lives must be a testimony of the Joy of living; not of worldly living, but of living in God to be ultimately united with Him in Heaven. Saint Paul the Apostle reminded us in the Second Reading of the day to express Joy through goodness and prayer, not to take it away from others because of evil words or actions. He said,
“Brothers and sisters: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good. Refrain from every kind of evil.
May the God of peace make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
3. We are called to reflect the Light of Jesus Christ like Saint John the Baptist did.
Jesus is the Light. The coming of Jesus, the Light of the world, is the cause of Joy for mankind, the reason for our rejoicing; for He conquers the darkness in the world. In the Gospel for the Third Advent Sunday, Saint John the Baptist (the cousin of Jesus and the son of Saint Elizabeth and Saint Zachary), came as a witness to bear testimony to the Light, who is Jesus.
Saint John the Baptist said that he is not the Light himself; he was only there to serve as witness to the Light of Jesus:
“He said: “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah.”
– John 1:23
Like the good Saint, we are not the Light itself; for Jesus is the Only Light in the darkness of the world. We don’t shine on our own. We can’t give off light. However, we can radiate light, and let it shine if we reflect the Light of Jesus that envelops on us, just as the moon reflects the light coming from the sun, which is why in the darkness of the night, the moon becomes a source of light.
My fellow Catholics, let us remember that the secular light of the world is growing dim as the coming of the Savior Jesus Christ is approaching; like using a battery that eventually runs out. The happiness it gives is fleeting. Cheap thrills, perverted lifestyle, wasteful use of time or resources, immoral entertainment like lewd clubs — these are quick sources to feel happiness for a day or so. But the darkness that these things cause to the soul, how they weaken its resistance and strength to fight temptations, evil, tribulations and problems is going to be hard to overcome.
4. I echo what Fr. Lung said that we are here “to prove that there is another world,” that is, the next life, an everlasting world to come. So this Christmas season, we do what we have to do according to God’s ways. If we have family members, friends, or random people who are losing their joy, not knowing Jesus, share with them about Him, and give them simple joys according to your generosity and means. Came across someone that suddenly wanted to share about his life struggles to you? Try and give a word of advice or encouragement, and talk about our Catholic virtues to him. Let your words and actions help those who have lost their joy feel the presence of God through you.
5. Now is the time to reject Satan and Hell (with “eternal fire” to consume the damned—Matthew 25:41) and choose Jesus the Light and Heaven.
Most Catholic faithfuls (I’m not referring to the people of the world who prefer darkness, but those of us Catholics struggling against sin and evil) have the desire to become saints, just as we are called to strive for. But when we hear and read the lives of our holy Saints, we get discouraged because their stories are about sufferings. Many of us get dispirited then to go on. However, all of the Saints said during their lives on earth that they had this profound Joy to be united in Jesus because of the sufferings they offered to Him. The saintly lives they had couldn’t be called a ‘happy’ one. But between them and you and me, they are the ones who were more overjoyed. They now have perfect joy in Heaven. So let us not be sad, nor get weakened. Let us try to live a joyful life; for as long as we stay in communion with the Church and with Jesus the Light, God Our Father will be merciful to us to grant us all the necessary graces for us to survive and go on in this life.
On a personal note, I thank God and my intercessor Saints for the joy that I now have in my heart and soul, that He has granted me as Christmas nears. I’m delighted that the Responsorial Psalm for the day is Magnificat (See My Reflection on this). And I encourage all of you to show love to Our Blessed Mother, by praying this every single day, like I do. So that as we reflect on the Light of Jesus, we reflect as well on the Absolute Joy that the Virgin Mary had in her heart for the fullness of grace she received from the Lord:
“Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”
– Luke 1:42
The Canticle of Mary
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
Mama Mary, pray for us!
Amen.
She graduated cum laude from the University of Santo Tomas, the country's Pontifical and Catholic university, with an AB in Legal Management and minor units in Theology.
As an unmarried woman, prayer holds a central place in her daily life, with a focus on the Rosary and the Divine Office. Embodying her faith, she emphasizes the growth of her inner spiritual life, guided by the wisdom of Carmelite spirituality.
God manifested to her in a unique and radical manner, which made her know Who He truly is and led her to total surrender of her life to Him.
She has studied the Bible with her family, developing a particular fondness for the Old Testament.
Her adorable and intelligent toy poodle is a delightful companion in her daily life, bringing warmth and joy to her home.
Her hobbies include reading about everything, learning Japanese and German, listening to music and playing the flute.
In her leisure time, she enjoys gaming on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo 3DS, iOS and OS, and collecting things related to PlayStation and Nintendo.
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You are indeed a blessing in this world. Your writings perfectly fills the gap for the need to get closer to God at this age when everybody seem to be busy and, many, sadly live a prayerless life.
Thank you for your beautiful reflection on Joy. May you continue bringing joy to others!
Thank you as well Sister! Kind words from Readers like you bring joy to me too. May God bless you and your family.