Third Sunday of Advent

Rejoice!

When’s the last time you were so joyful that you burst into song, you couldn’t keep from singing? Our call in the readings this week is to rejoice, to imagine a joy so great that we would shout and sing, as Zephaniah directs us to do. But we aren’t the only ones singing. He also reminds us that God is singing joyfully because of us! What are some examples of God’s singing in our midst these days? What is it about who we are and what we do that has God singing?

Paul says that we must rejoice in the Lord always, be kind to all, lose anxiety, make all requests known to God, and thank God as though he has already granted our requests. Are there ways that we can reduce our anxiety? What has worked for you in recent months? Are there ways to steer clear of petty disputes?

The crowds asked John the Baptist, “what should we do?” Listen this weekend to what God is nudging you to do. Is it to sing joyfully in the company of the community gathered at Mass? Is it a call to service in liturgical ministries—greeting the families who come to worship with us? Proclaiming the Word of God as a lector? Being an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist? Visiting the homebound? Singing carols as a family? Volunteering to serve others? Sharing the Good News of God’s presence among us?

Emmanuel—God is with us—we sing with joy and pray for peace! We thank God and each other for the joy that comes to us through relationships. We ponder ways to serve—to know what we should do!