Mass readings, reflections and activities for the Third Sunday of Advent (Year A).
Reflection
Last Sunday, we heard John the Baptist preach the coming of a strong Messiah who would restore order and punish evil people, and ensure that justice would prevail. Now Jesus has arrived, and John has doubts while in prison, so he asks Jesus the question: “Are you the one?” Jesus points to what is happening: healing, new life and Good News proclaimed. But this is not what John had envisioned: that salvation is not punitive but salvific. Instead of judgment, Jesus announces God’s mercy. Instead of imposing a new world order, Jesus invites people into a new covenant that transforms their lives, and Jesus shows special care to the excluded and the suffering.
(Reflection: Diocese of Saskatoon)
Background on the Gospel Reading The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass taken from Philippians 4:4,5: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near. This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God. The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of John's arrest in chapter 14:3-12. In today's Gospel, John sends word to Jesus from prison, asking if Jesus is the Messiah for whom he has been waiting. Jesus responds by pointing to the miracles that he has worked and invites John and the other hearers to make their own determination. In his next breath, however, Jesus praises John for his role in preparing the way for Jesus. Then Jesus says that all of those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John and even greater. Jesus' message to John about the signs of the kingdom being performed recalls the salvation described by the prophet Isaiah. This passage is a reminder that the beginning of salvation is already mysteriously present to us, but also yet to be fulfilled. Salvation is already in our midst as manifest in the miraculous deeds of Jesus and in the Church. But salvation is also to be fulfilled in the coming reign of God. Even as we observe our world today, we can find glimpses of God's work among us. Even more, we help to prepare the way for God's kingdom by our words and our deeds. This message is indeed a cause for rejoicing. Source Loyola PressReflections
