Homily for the Third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2009

My brothers and sisters let us enjoy the closeness of Christmas and share our joy with those in need.

In our reading form Zephaniah we again we see the theme of rejoicing at the restoration and redemption given by of the Lord! The prophet himself tells us that he is descended from Hezekiah, most likely the king who ruled Judah 715-687 BCE. His intimate knowledge of Jerusalem and affairs in the court, and the absence of a theme found in other prophetic books - denunciation of the king - suggest that he was of royal descent. He also tells us that his ministry began in the reign of King Josiah, the great reformer. But his denunciation of corruption in religious affairs suggests that his prophecies date from before the reforms of 621 BCE.

Earlier in the chapter, the Zephaniah has spoken of Jerusalem (her inhabitants) and their crimes: they have failed to listen to God, accept his advice, trust in him and draw near to him. Now he invites Jerusalem to rejoice because her salvation is about to happen. God has intervened; He dwells with His people and protects them.

In our reading from Philippians we have yet more cause for rejoicing. These closing lines are the conventional Greek salutation (like our goodbye) but here Paul means “rejoice” literally. Paul expects the Second Coming soon: “The Lord is near.” Therefore, rather than worrying on their own, the Philippians should ask God to help them, through prayer, both in prayers of “supplication” (petition) and of “thanksgiving.” God’s “peace” will protect them against their own failings and external threats. It “surpasses all understanding” either by being beyond the grasp of the human mind or by achieving more than we can conceive.

In our gospel story we saw John the Baptist continuing his ministry. He exhorts all to conversion of conduct, not just heart, giving practical advice and promising the arrival of the “Great One.”

John addresses the people in general and calls them “vipers” (poisonous snakes) and accuses them of being baptized with no intention of starting a new, ethical, life. If they think that by being baptized they will evade God’s judgment at the end of the era, they are wrong: they must also turn to godliness. Luke gives us three examples of behavior which fit with turning over a new leaf. The “crowds” are probably ordinary people; they should have selfless concern for the disadvantaged. In spite of attempted reforms, “tax collectors” still collected more than prescribed; they are to stop gouging the people. The “soldiers” were probably Jews in the service of Herod Antipas; they too were despised by the populace for various abuses. John tells them that they should follow the emperor’s guidelines on military conduct.

This is defiantly "Rejoice Sunday." Years ago the violet or purple color of the vestments was altered for one day to a rose color. This is the Sunday the pink candle of the Advent wreath is lighted. Children (with their building excitement for Christmas) help us be excited in anticipation of something special. The dictionary offers some rather startling definitions for the word "rejoice": clap, shout, exult, festivity. All words used to help describe rejoicing. For many people, this season brings a great deal of hectic activity; I am certainly one of them. Although much of it is oriented toward the celebration of Christmas, we tend to forget that rejoicing is supposed to flow from a singular reason: the Lord Jesus. "Rejoice in the Lord always!" That is the advice of Saint Paul. As the season of Advent moves closer to Christmas, perhaps we need to remember these words and be less frantic about all the other preparations and more prayerful.