Jesus Sparks Joy

   

  Third Sunday of Advent 

11 December 2022 

 

First Reading: Is 35:1-6a, 10

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10

Second Reading: Jas 5:7-10

Gospel: Mt 11:2-11

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Do you know Marie Kondo? She is a tidying expert helping people around the world to transform their cluttered homes into spaces of serenity and inspiration. She always says to keep only those that spark joy.

This Third Sunday of Advent or Gaudete Sunday which means rejoice in Latin and expresses the joy of anticipation at the approach of Christmas, what Christmas preparation sparks joy in your lives?

You will see the countdown in Malls, restaurants, supermarkets, and media which says 14 days before Christmas. In turn, people rush to shopping, buying food for noche buena, eating in restaurants, and Christmas parties. These merry-making activities though spark joy will not bring true and lasting joy in our lives, only Jesus Christ can do that, our reason for the season.

This Advent season, aside from the call to rejoice in the Lord always, we are constantly invited to reconciled with God, to throw away our old selves addicted to sin. As we tidy up our houses in preparation of the holidays, may we also give time to clean ourselves, go to confession, and do penance.

We still have 14 days before Christmas, enough time to make straight our paths. Missa de Gallo will also start in a few days, may this lead us to know more Jesus so we may always find joy in Him.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for all the blessings You bestowed upon us. Help us to prepare for Your birth. As we know You more, may we see You always as our spark of joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.