Homily, Third Sunday of Advent, 2009

Fr. Ed Oen, C.PP.S.

 It does seem like Christmas comes earlier each year. The day after Thanksgiving, people start to camp out in front of certain stores so that they can be the first in line for Black Friday. The doors open on Black Friday; people rush in to get an electronic hamster or one of the latest electronic games or gadgets. People are preparing for Santa Claus, not so much for Christmas.

We live in a society that pretty much ignores Advent, but the Church continues to speak to us during this golden season. Today we are celebrating the third Sunday of Advent. WE have much to rejoice over. The Lord is coming to be reborn in our hearts at Christmas. Today’s sacred scripture readings announce the joy. St. Paul tells us to rejoice in the Lord always. Paul wrote this letter from prison. Despite his circumstances, he was joyful. It’s pretty hard to imagine someone being so exuberant and joyful having spent 13 years of his 36 years in ministry in jail or under house arrest. But he still rejoiced in the Lord.

Paul’s words still affect us 2,000 years later. Joy comes to us from awareness that God loves us, that God forgives us and God is with us. This great God of our’s cares for each and every one of us. And He wants us to understand that we talk the good news of Jesus. The good news is that God loves each one of us completely and He would die for us if we were the only one to ever commit sin.

Joy comes from this awareness then. Joy is not to be confused with pleasure. We can buy pleasure, but not joy. A few years ago, I read about a multi-millionaire. He had been married five times. He offered a million dollars if someone could bring him a wife who could provide him fulfillment. He was trying to get some human being to bring him joy through fulfillment, which is impossible. There’s nobody on earth who can make us joyful. We can only find joy when we give of ourselves and we turn to the Lord and let Him be the ruler of our lives. Those who seek pleasure may find happiness, but they will feel empty again. People who are hooked on drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, gambling to excess and other similar addictions, will find 15 minutes or an hour of pleasure – but really, no joy. Pleasure is fleeting. So many people think that if they can just have this one more thing yet, they will be happy forever. You can find pleasure in this life, but only joy when we turn to the Lord.

In today’s gospel, we read about the life of John the Baptist who led of life or prayer, penance and preaching. He lived on honey and insects. He called people to repentance, to change their lives. That’s what repentance is – to change our minds about the way we are doing things – to confess our sins and to be baptized. John kept drawing people to his preaching; the leaders in Jerusalem discouraged people from going to see John the Baptist. They commented, “We have temples to worship in; don’t listen to that mad man out there in the desert.” Many people came to ask John what they were to do.  How should we repent? They asked the right question.  They did not ask, “What’s in it for me?” That’s an American question. That’s a 21^st Century question: “What’s in it for me? What can I get out of it?”

John told them to give away their extra clothes; give away your extra food. In those days, clothing and food were in short supply for many people. This was something that the crowds could do if they just looked around a little bit. John told tax collectors to stop collecting more than what was prescribed.

If John were alive today, he would tell spouses to be devoted to one another. Show love; make time for one another. Forgive one another. For parents, show good example for your children. Pray together. Nurses show compassion to the sick and elderly. That is one of the toughest jobs, being on duty for up to twelve hours, yet still needing to show compassion.  Laborers, be supportive of fellow workers. Don’t talk behind their backs; don’t make up stories. Brothers and sisters – respect your siblings. Children, obey your parents. Learn to forgive each other.

If we follow the words in today’s scriptures by Paul and John, we will find joy – and we will be ready to welcome Jesus on Christmas.