Rejoice and Be Glad
Third Sunday of Advent - Year C
Zephaniah 3:14-18a; Psalm: Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18
The Book of Zephaniah is set during the reign of King Josiah (late 7th century BC), who is portrayed as the last great king from the line of David (2 Kings 22:2). The book begins with a proclamation of doom, reminiscent of the times of Noah (Gen. 6:7; Zeph. 1:3). This is particularly surprising because Josiah was famous for his religious reform (2 Kings 23:1-28). However, the reform was only superficial. The purification of the temple was not followed by the purification of hearts (see Jer. 7:1-4).
Like Zephaniah, John the Baptist also announced God’s judgment (Luke 3:9) and called for the purification of hearts, beginning with sharing resources and performing acts of justice (Luke 3:10-14). Yet, neither Zephaniah nor John confined their message to doom. Both ended with a prophecy of hope: “Shout for joy,” “Rejoice and be glad with all your heart” (Zeph. 3:14). Why? Because “the Lord has annulled the judgment against you” (Zeph. 3:15). Why? Because the Savior is coming (Luke 3:16), and He is near (Phil. 4:5).
This proclamation brings joy to all of us, which we express in our responsorial psalm: “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel” (Is. 12:6). This joy is particularly evident in the second reading. Paradoxically, Paul wrote his happiest letter from prison. What does this teach us? Christian joy does not spring from external circumstances but from within—a heart filled with God’s peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:7).
The Bible highlights various sources of joy. For instance, a glass of wine (Ps. 104:15), marriage festivities (Jer. 33:11), a righteous child (Prov 23:24-25), and freedom from difficult situations (Ps. 105:43). Yet, all these moments of joy point toward the “everlasting joy” promised by Isaiah (51:11). Its fulfillment is proclaimed in the New Testament. On Christmas night, the shepherds received “good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). The Lord is in our midst (Zeph. 3:17). The message of joy continues: as followers of Christ, we are told to rejoice that our names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20) and to rejoice when facing persecution for Christ’s sake (Matt. 5:12).
Christian joy cannot be learned from a book. It is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22), a clear indication of our deep relationship with the Lord. Our lives are not free from sorrow. On the contrary, as Christians, we are promised many hardships on the road to the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Yet, like the Apostle Paul, we can rejoice in our sorrows (2 Cor. 6:10). How is this possible? “The joy of the gospel fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness, and loneliness” (Pope Francis, The Joy of the Gospel).