Third Sunday of Advent

Living in Joy

What does it mean for us to always live in joy? How is that possible when so much of life today is troubling? When so many are suffering? It seems that St. Paul gives us several ways to work at finding and maintaining hope. It is almost like a recipe in four parts. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all things. Do not quench the Spirit. Discern what is good and what is evil and refrain from the evil. WOW!

Our other readings for the day give us other hints. Isaiah presents us with a very urgent mission, a very concise job description for being followers of Jesus. We too are to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners.

Our psalm reminds us of Mary’s Magnificat. “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Our joy is real when we can proclaim the greatness of the Lord in our own lives. How will we do that this week? Who will hear our proclamations? To whom will they be directed?

We continue our Living in Watchfulness—as a community and as individuals—searching for Jesus in our midst. He is already born and borne in us! And he is also yet to be found in unlikely places. We are Waiting in Wonder! May our wonder never cease! God fills us with awe!