Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk  

Third Sunday of Advent, Year B – Gaudete Sunday - Nov 17, 2017.

Readings: Isaiah 61:1-2,10-11; Luke 1:46-50,53-54; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; 

Gospel John 1:6-8,19-28.

Theme: The Imperative of Witnessing!

                                                                             

Introduction

Friends in Christ, today is Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday invites us to rejoice in the Lord always. Gaudete, taken from Philippians 4:4-5 “Gaudete in Domino semper” (Rejoice in the Lord always) comes from the first word in Latin of the Introit, the entrance antiphon at Mass. The Prophet Isaiah (Is 35:1-6a.10) calls us to rejoice because the glory and majesty of the Lord would appear. He emphatically states that we shall obtain the joy and gladness of the Lord and our sorrow and sighing shall flee away. Such warm assurances positions us for a reflection on “The Imperative of Witnessing” towards a better celebration of Advent as we await the fulfilment of God’s promises at Christmas.

Textual Analysis 

The Prophet Isaiah (Is. 61:1-2,10-11) provides us with a blueprint for true witnessing. Convinced of his divine anointing, being clothed in the garments of salvation and wrapped in the cloak of integrity, he discloses that he was sent to bring the good news to the poor, bind up hearts that are broken and proclaim a year of favour from the Lord. The prophet also likens himself to a bridegroom wearing his wreath and a bride adorned in her jewels while stating that the Lord would stamp integrity and praise among the nations.

In the second reading (1 Thess. 5:16-24), St. Paul reiterates the theme of witnessing when he charges the Thessalonians not to suppress the gift of prophesy with contempt. St. Paul further suggests that it is always necessary to think before one does anything, embrace what is good and avoid any kind of wrongdoing. In line with the witnessing of words, action, presence and blood, the second reading challenges us to be blameless in spirit, soul and body for the coming of Christ. The charge of a multidimensional witnessing is indicative of the period of Advent towards accessing its concomitant blessings. The scripture informs that God has called us and so, he would not fail implying that only a witnessing anchored on Christ is sustainable. 

The two readings are connected to the gospel. The Johannine text (Jn. 1:6-8,19-28) notes that John came crying out in the wilderness as a witness who spoke for the light that all may believe. The spectacular nature of John’s witnessing is his humility to acknowledge that he was not the Christ. He ceases the opportunity to charge his hearers to “make a straight way for the Lord.” Again, the period of Advent affords us the opportunity to prepare adequately for the coming of the Lord.  

Types of Witnessing 

1. Witnessing of Words:  This involves the verbal proclamation of the word of God either as homily or catechesis. It takes its root from the Great Commission Christ entrusted to his apostles and to the Church of preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:16-20). All those who participate in the verbal proclamation of the word are involved in witnessing of words.  

2. Witnessing of Action: Among other action-oriented apostolates, the witnessing of action is the non-verbal expression of the faith in parish, school, hospital, prison and orphanage apostolates.   

3. Witnessing of Presence: Like the witnessing of action, this kind of witnessing entails quietly going about our apostolate as priests, religious or laity while wearing our cassock, habit or sacramentals. Although we may not preach, our sacramentals alone can preach to the world about the faith. Even if we do not appear in our religious regalia, the state of being celibate is itself witnessing of presence. Most times, the witnessing of presence takes place in countries which are hostile to the faith or secular institutes where Catholics quietly live out the faith as they work.   

4. Witnessing of blood: Witnessing of blood also known as red martyrdom is shedding of one’s blood for Christ. Martyr, a Greek word which means martus simply means, witness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines martyrdom as “...the supreme witness given to the truth of the faith – the martyr bears witness to Christ who died and rose, to whom he is united by charity. He bears witness to the truth of the faith and of   Doctrine” (no, 2473).    

                                                         Pastoral Application    

1. Advent challenges us to take to verbl witnessing like John the Baptist by entrenching the Great Commission through preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth.

2. We are called to embrace the witnessing of action by giving flesh to action-oriented apostolates in our parishes and schools. Those in hospitals, prisons and orphanages need the love of Christ the most. Since today is Rejoice Sunday, we must make efforts to put a smile on their faces at Advent and beyond.

3. The witnessing of presence challenges Christians who live and work in countries which are hostile to the faith to not be afraid of quietly living out their faith in the secular sphere.   

4. We are tasked on courageous witnessing even to the point of death by being reminded that although John the Baptist pointed people to Christ, he was not spared of drinking the cup of suffering.

5. Again, the humility of the baptiser is a clarion call to all to shun pride and seek the Lord in humility.

6. Gaudete Sunday gives us every reason to rejoice because Christmas is in sight. 

Homiletic Quotes to Remember

1. Gaudete or Rejoice Sunday invites us to rejoice in the Lord always.

2. The Prophet Isaiah provides us with a blueprint for true witnessing.

3. In line with the witnessing of words, action, presence and blood, our liturgy challenges all to be blameless in spirit, soul and body for the coming of Christ.

4. Only a witnessing anchored on Christ is sustainable.

5. John came crying out in the wilderness as a witness who spoke for the light that all may believe.

Conclusion 

We live in an age and time where many people are afraid of declaring that they are Christians. Sadly, in the West, the clergy are sometimes hindered from preaching against divorce, abortion, contraception and gay marriage. The young are also increasingly becoming either shy of identifying themselves as Catholics in secular institutes or organisations because they don’t want to lose their jobs. On the third Sunday of Advent, it is crucial to remember the words of scripture which says: “Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory… (Luke 9:26). Inspired by John’s blockbuster testimony in the wilderness, I pray that we would take to heroic witnessing as we await the coming of Christ. Have a great week ahead!