Sunday Reading Reflections:

Third Sunday of Advent
13th December 2009

Reading 1 Reflection:

We could really get into the spirit of this reading if we could sing it and accompany ourselves with musical instruments. Our song would celebrate a renewed relationship between God and God's people.

The time of exile, or separation from God, is over. Now the people can once again feel good about themselves because they are living according to God's will. They sing our their joy, and God sings with them.

Reading 2 Reflection:

This Third Sunday of Advent is sometimes called "Gaudete" Sunday. This is Latin for "Rejoice!" It comes from the first word of Saint Paul's letter for this Sunday. Paul reminds the Philippians that they should not merely rejoice that the Lord is near, and then go about their everyday business.

They must also pray, be grateful, place their trust in God, and be unselfish in their relationships with others. Then they will experience "the peace of God."

Gospel Reflection:

Imagine that you are there, listening to John the Baptist in today's gospel. You hear him advising the people who have already expressed their sorrow for their sins. They are about to be baptized as a sign of their repentance. But they realize that they must also change their lives and avoid sin in the future.

Then the people wonder whether John might be the promised Messiah of God. John tells them that they must look for someone greater than he. We know that he was directing them to Jesus. We can be like John the Baptist when we help others to find Jesus Christ in their lives. Pray today that your joy in knowing Christ will help lead others to him.