GOD’S GIFT OF JOY
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C, 15.12.2024, IMMACULATE HEART DABI, FCT. HOMILY BY ARCHBISHOP I. A. KAIGAMA.
READINGS: ZEPHANIAH 3:14-18; PHILIPPIANS 4:4-7; LUKE 3:10-18
THEME: GOD’S GIFT OF JOY
This Third Sunday of Advent invites all of us to embrace the theme of the joy that springs from the Lord. Pope Francis said in his Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium ph6: “There are Christians whose lives seem like Lent without Easter.” That is not how our life should be. He goes on to say, “I understand the grief of people who have to endure great suffering, yet, slowly but surely, we have to let the joy of faith slowly revive as a quiet, yet firm trust, even amid the greatest distress.”
Some people’s stories have become that of constant lamentation: “My soul is bereft of peace; I have forgotten what happiness is” (Lam 3:17). But the Gospel, radiant with the glory of Christ’s cross, constantly invites us to rejoice and St. Paul would tell us, in the second reading: Brethren: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let all men know your forbearance (Philippians 4:4-5). Every day of our lives should be a thanksgiving to God.
I therefore celebrate this Mass and the confirmation of over 130 candidates, with you parishioners of Immaculate Heart, Dabi, and your parish priest, Fr. Anthony Usonguyo, on this third Sunday of Advent which is called Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice Sunday). It is a great joy to be in your midst today.
But one would ask, with all the evil happening around us and the present excruciating economic hardship and the deliberate increase in the prices of goods and harsh economic policies, especially in our country Nigeria, how do you expect one to rejoice? When someone has been cheated, lost a loved one, or has suffered some misfortune, how do you expect such a one to be joyful? But it is very possible to rejoice because joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God. We rejoice because Jesus is coming to bring us love and compassion, peace and joy.
In the first reading from Zephaniah, we are urged: “Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart.” This call to joy is grounded in the reality that God has removed the judgments against us and turned away our enemies. The Lord’s presence among us is a reason for boundless joy, as it signifies His love, protection, and salvation. This joy is rooted in the eternal assurance that God is with us, guiding us through every challenge we face.
Isaiah’s canticle reinforces this message, inviting us to shout and sing for joy because the Holy One of Israel is great in our midst.
This call to rejoice is echoed in the comforting words of Saint Augustine, who said, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you, O Lord.” Indeed, our true rest and joy are found in the constant presence of God, who dispels our fears and uncertainties with His unwavering love.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians deepens our understanding of this joy. He exhorts us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” This call to joy is not dependent on our circumstances but is anchored in the nearness of the Lord. Joy comes not from acquiring material things, but in being aware of God’s presence in others. This joy challenges us to seek true happiness not in material wealth or success but in a life aligned with God’s will. It is a joy characterized by selfless love and service to others.
The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer someone else up. St. Paul tells us to “rejoice in the Lord always.” He doesn’t tell us to only rejoice when things go our way or to rejoice when we are feeling good. No, he simply says, “Rejoice always.”
In the Gospel, John the Baptist’s message is a call to practical action. When the crowds ask him what they should do, he responds with clear and direct instruction (cf. Lk 3:10, 12, 14). He says, share with the person who has less, don’t cheat, no false accusations, find satisfaction in what you have, practice justice, and refrain from oppression. Be generous, fair, and compassionate.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta famously said, “Joy is a net of love by which you can catch souls.” This statement highlights the transformative power of joy. As Christians, our joy should be evident in our actions—through our willingness to share, our commitment to justice, and our efforts to uplift those who are oppressed. This active joy is especially relevant in our Nigerian context, where many are in dire need of support and solidarity. Our joy, derived from the presence of the Holy One among us, must drive us to be agents of positive change.
In the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” We are called to be candles of joy in a nation grappling with corruption, poverty, and social injustice. Despite our suffering, the Gospel still calls us to share, avoid injustice, and refrain from oppression. This is what can provide the blueprint for societal renewal in Nigeria. Our joy, rooted in God’s presence, must inspire us to action, to be beacons of hope and light in our communities. We are called to illuminate Nigeria with the love and presence of Christ, our Lord. Our country needs to be alive again; we need God-fearing leaders who will bring back the hope and joy of our country.
Even when things refuse to get better despite all assurances, do not fail to cultivate the joy of the heart. To be joyful, you need a clear conscience; be humble with your place like John the Baptist who did not arrogate importance to himself nor take the place of Jesus, but humbly accepted his position, that he was not the Christ, but pointed Him to the people when He came. So be humble and be patient like John teaches us patience. His entire ministry was one of patient waiting.
May the child Jesus whom we await at Christmas, bring us joy and lasting peace.
May our Mother Mary who joyfully received the message of an Angel continue to intercede for us and for our nation as we pray and hope for better days ahead.
