LET US REJOICE - 12/17/23 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Gospel

Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

A man named John was sent from God.

He came for testimony, to testify to the light,

so that all might believe through him.

He was not the light,

but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John.

When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests

and Levites to him

to ask him, “Who are you?”

He admitted and did not deny it,

but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”

So they asked him,

“What are you then? Are you Elijah?”

And he said, “I am not.”

“Are you the Prophet?”

He answered, “No.”

So they said to him,

“Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?

What do you have to say for yourself?”

He said:

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,

‘make straight the way of the Lord,’”

as Isaiah the prophet said.”

Some Pharisees were also sent. 

They asked him,

“Why then do you baptize

if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?”

John answered them,

“I baptize with water;

but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,

the one who is coming after me,

whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”

This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,

where John was baptizing.

Reflection:

Among all the flickering lights around us, the true Light of the World is only one. He is none other than Jesus. The trials, problems, disasters, sin, and evil are the darkness in our lives. However, if we cling to God and believe in Him, we will not be overcome by them. After we fall to every setback and sin, we can rise again.

God gives us countless chances to change. This is the time to examine oneself and ask, what are our sins against God? Despite all our shortcomings and weaknesses, let us remember that His love for us does not change. This is another reason to love Him even more because He loves us unconditionally. His love is not exclusive for the strong ones and the great. God especially loves those who are weak and in need of His care. May we humble ourselves before Him.

The Third Week of Advent is usually recognized due to the priest's rose-colored vestments. The single pink candle in the Advent Wreath is finally lit. It is a symbol of "Joy". This is a joy that lasts, a joy that comes from God and does not depend on whether the food on our table tastes good or not. It is not based on whether our relatives praise us at the gathering or not. This joy is felt and received by any person like Mary who accepts the Word in her life. When we truly obey God in our lives and goodness from our minds and hearts comes out of our lips, God reigns in us. If not and if we always dwell on negative things, let's examine ourselves and ask for His help for us to be truly transformed. Let's allow ourselves to be changed by God. 

Amidst our weaknesses, sins, or trials in life, there is always a reason to rejoice - the presence of God that lasts forever. Not once did He turn his back on us. We are the ones who turn away and who have faults against Him. Now is the time to beg for forgiveness and to return to Him. This is when we will truly rejoice by going back to God, obeying Him, and not being occupied with worldly things. Let's rejoice because God's mercy, forgiveness, and love are already upon us. May we open our hearts and offer our weaknesses and sins before Him. Let's seek to purify our hearts in the sacrament of confession and to strengthen our souls against temptations and evil as we receive Him in the Holy Eucharist. Amen. +

May we reflect on this. Amen. +

May the Loving and Almighty God bless us all, and may He protect us from temptation and evil now and forever. Amen. +

Reflections by FMMJ

Translations to English by CJTH

Full readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121723.cfm

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth