Welcome to Our Bible Study

3rd Sunday of Advent B14 December 2014

In preparation for this Sunday’s readingsIn aid of focusing our homilies and sharing

Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

The third Sunday of Advent is characterized with the theme of joy. It is called Gaudete Sunday. Christians must rejoice because the coming of the Lord Jesus is close at hand. One more Sunday is Christmas.

1st Reading: Isaiah 61,1-2.10-11 1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the

LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, 2 To announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn;

10 I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. 11 As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

1st Reading: Isaiah 61,1-2.10-11 1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the

LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, 2 To announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn;

10 I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. 11 As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, So will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

The focus is on joy.

1st Reading: Isaiah 61,1-2.10-11 1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is

upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, 2 To announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn;

10 I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. 11 As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

Commentary V.1 talks about the presence of the

spirit of the Lord on his servant. The spirit of the Lord is given to

anointed kings. It is the energy and power behind his

mission:• To bring glad tidings• To heal the brokenhearted• To proclaim liberty and release..• To announce a year of favor… (v.2)• To announce a day of vindication• To comfort all who mourn.

The servant’s mission is mission impossible.

He can do it only if he has the spirit of the Lord.

1st Reading: Isaiah 61,1-2.10-11 1 The spirit of the Lord GOD is

upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, 2 To announce a year of favor from the LORD and a day of vindication by our God, to comfort all who mourn;

10 I rejoice heartily in the LORD, in my God is the joy of my soul; For he has clothed me with a robe of salvation, and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, Like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels. 11 As the earth brings forth its plants, and a garden makes its growth spring up, so will the Lord GOD make justice and praise spring up before all the nations.

In v.10, the servant expresses his joy in the Lord in parallel form.

He enumerates the reasons why:• He has clothed me…• He has wrapped me…

• Like a bridegroom…like a bride. The servant feels great. He is treated well by God. The clothing like robe, mantle,

diadem and jewels signify dignity, respect, wealth, freedom, justice and salvation.

All these are invested upon the servant.

The servant possesses an aura of confidence.

V.11 focuses justice and praise which will spring up like plants and garden.

Justice and praise will be abundant.

Reflections on the first reading

There are many reasons to be joyful. The spirit-filled messiah coming as a prophet

and liberator will reverse everything. God is taking hold of his people. Soon

oppression will be eliminated. The change of clothing signifies the

restoration of the dignity of the human person and his freedom.

It is also an improvement of the standard of living. (Think of people changing their clothing when they become better off.)

Reflections on the first reading

Inherent to freedom is productivity (signified by the plants and gardens). When there is freedom and happiness, human beings become more creative and productive.

We must rejoice at the coming of the Messiah, because he is coming to change our lives, consequently, our structures, and our systems.

A sign that he is taking hold of us is when we are ourselves – empowered, free, happy and productive.

2nd Reading: 1 Thess 5,16-24 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 Test everything; retain what is good. 22 Refrain from every kind of evil. 23 May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

Response: Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

R. (Is 61:10b) My soul rejoices in my God.

46 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;47 my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked upon his lowly servant.48 From this day all generations will call me blessed:

49 the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.50 He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty.54 He has come to the help of his servant Israelfor he has remembered his promise of mercy,

Response: Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54

R. (Is 61:10b) My soul rejoices in my God.

46 My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;47 my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked upon his lowly servant.48 From this day all generations will call me blessed:

49 the Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is his Name.50 He has mercy on those who fear himin every generation.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things,and the rich he has sent away empty.54 He has come to the help of his servant Israelfor he has remembered his promise of mercy,

Commentary The response comes from the gospel of Luke,

not from the book of Psalms. Yet it can be considered and sung as a psalm. Vv.46 and 47 say the same thing. Mary

rejoices. V.47b tells the reason why: God has looked

upon her. V.48 states the consequence: she will be called

blessed by all generations.

In v.49, Mary recognizes what God has done for her.

In v.50, she also recognizes what God has been doing to all who fear him, generation after generation.

In v.53, Mary is aware of God’s economic and political concerns: to feed the hungry and to strip the rich of their wealth.

In v.54, God comes to rescue his people. He does this out of his remembrance of his

promise of mercy.

Reflections on the Response

Like Mary, we must learn how to rejoice in the Lord.

There are many reasons for us to rejoice. The number one reason is God acting in our

history. He defends the poor and the humble. He overthrows the arrogant.

2nd Reading: 1 Thess 5,16-24 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 Test everything; retain what is good. 22 Refrain from every kind of evil. 23 May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

The focus is on rejoicing.

2nd Reading: 1 Thess 5,16-24

Exhortations / Imperatives (Action of Christians) 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without ceasing. 18 In

all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 Test everything; retain what is good. 22 Refrain from every kind of evil.

Wish (Action of God) 23 May the God of peace himself make you perfectly

holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Assurance 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also

accomplish it.

A simple outline!

2nd Reading: 1 Thess 5,16-24Exhortations / Imperatives (Action of

Christians) 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray

without ceasing. 18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 Test everything; retain what is good. 22 Refrain from every kind of evil.

Wish (Action of God) 23 May the God of peace himself

make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Assurance 24 The one who calls you is

faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

Commentary In v.16 Paul exhorts Christians

to rejoice. Rejoicing is a matter of attitude

and decision. It is not conditioned by outside circumstances.

In v.17, praying is like rejoicing, non-stop.

Inv.18, giving thanks is also non-stop.

Vv.19-22 talk about favoring the Spirit and avoiding evil.• We allow the Spirit to work

in us (through prophetic utterances and discernment)

• We shun away from evil.

2nd Reading: 1 Thess 5,16-24Exhortations / Imperatives (Action of

Christians) 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray

without ceasing. 18 In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophetic utterances. 21 Test everything; retain what is good. 22 Refrain from every kind of evil.

Wish (Action of God) 23 May the God of peace himself

make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Assurance 24 The one who calls you is

faithful, and he will also accomplish it.

In v.23, Paul wishes that God of peace make the Christians holy and blameless for the second coming of Jesus.

V.24 states who God is.• He is faithful.• He stands by his promises.

Reflections on the 2nd reading

As we draw close to Christmas, our disposition by now should be that of joy.

Joy comes out of our own prayerfulness and posture of thanksgiving.

We allow God to make us truly holy (like him) and blameless, in view of his coming.

God is determined to change us, to make us happy, and make us worthy for the coming of his Son.

We may ask: How can I rejoice with all these negative things around? (hunger, no work, homelessness, oppression, injustices, sickness, etc.)

Precisely, St. Paul asks us to rejoice as part of non-conformity to the world which dampens our spirits.

What should count more for Christians is Christ’s coming, not what the world inflicts upon us.

Christ’ coming is the Christian vision to guide us in our struggles in the world.

Christ’s coming brings us hope, salvation and joy. Believe it or not.

Gospel reading: John 1,6-8.19-28 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to

testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" 23 He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' as Isaiah the prophet said." 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Gospel reading: John 1,6-8.19-28 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for

testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" 23 He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' as Isaiah the prophet said." 24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The focus is on the testimony of John the Baptist.

Gospel reading: John1,6-8.19-28John and his mission 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came for testimony, to

testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

John’s testimony to the two groups sent: 19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem

sent priests and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" 23 He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' as Isaiah the prophet said."

24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

A simple outline!

Gospel reading: John 1,6-8.19-28John and his mission 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

John’s testimony to the two groups sent: 19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests

and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" 23 He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' as Isaiah the prophet said."

24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Commentary Take note of the characters of the

story and the contrast• John• Priests and Levites• Pharisees

John is sent from God, while the priests, Levites and Pharisees are sent from the Jews of Jerusalem.

John is there to testify; the priests, Levites and Priests are there to investigate (John’s identity).

John’s testimony is two pronged:• About himself: he is not the messiah,

Elijah or prophet, but the voice crying out in the desert.

• About the one coming after himself: He is greater than he. He is the messiah, with the power of Elijah or the prophet.

Gospel reading: John 1,6-8.19-28John and his mission 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7

He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

John’s testimony to the two groups sent: 19 And this is the testimony of John. When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests

and Levites (to him) to ask him, "Who are you?" 20 he admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, "I am not the Messiah." 21 So they asked him, "What are you then? Are you Elijah?" And he said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" He answered, "No." 22 So they said to him, "Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?" 23 He said: "I am 'the voice of one crying out in the desert, "Make straight the way of the Lord,"' as Isaiah the prophet said."

24 Some Pharisees were also sent. 25 They asked him, "Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?" 26 John answered them, "I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, 27 the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie." 28 This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Going back to v.8, the messiah is the light.

The reason for testifying: • that all might believe. V.7

The Jews of Jerusalem through the priests and the Levites and Pharisees were there only to know but not to believe.

To believe is to be committed to Jesus.

Reflections on the gospel reading

Like the listeners of John the Baptist (and readers of the gospel according to John), we must respond in faith.

We must believe that Jesus is the source of our salvation and liberation.

We do not espouse our own traditions / fixations / comforts as a way to salvation.

Excitement / joy is the feeling of those who take to heart the testimony of John and believe in Jesus.

Reflections, con’t

Like John the Baptist, we must help others prepare for Christ’s coming. Do you remind your loved ones to pray and to fear God?

John the evangelist specifies his role: to give testimony, witness (martyria), not just to baptize for the forgiveness of sins.

Do you give witness to your faith in word and deed?

You must be happy if you are doing it.

Tying the three readings and the response

Definitely the message of the first reading evokes joy and rejoicing.• The spirit of the Lord is upon me. He has sent me to bring

the good news to the poor, etc. “I rejoice…” The response (Magnificat) is a song of rejoicing. The second reading exhorts Christians to rejoice at

the coming of Jesus. The gospel reading does not explicitly talk about joy

but anyone who hears of the message of John and believes will naturally rejoice.

How to develop your homilies / sharing

We must not miss the point of this Sunday’s liturgy.

• That is joy. The three readings and the response call us

to rejoice. Do you know how to rejoice? Are you KJ (killjoy), always finding a reason

to sulk or spoil a party? The readings call us to change our attitude.

The first reading calls us to rejoice because God is coming to liberate us from oppression and deprivations.

Joy is the appropriate response to God’s graciousness and mercy to all.

We celebrate in advance and in joy our hope that God will one day fulfill his promises.

The second reading too calls us to be joyful always. Let joy become a lifestyle. (Rejoice always!)

Joy is associated with clean living. There are lots of reasons to rejoice. But Christians rejoice most of all because the Lord

Jesus is coming back finally. When he comes back, the Lord will accomplish in us

his will and pleasure. Our joy will be complete.

The gospel reading especially announces the coming of the light.

Light refers metaphorically to Christ, the Incarnate Word.

Light is the opposite of confusion. It is symbol of victory over the powers of darkness. Darkness never overcomes light.

Light is the other term for guidance and direction.

Who is not happy to see the light?

There is joy in the midst of hardships and frustrations when we see (perceive) light at the end of the tunnel.

There is no joy (no hope) for people struggling for liberation / salvation / freedom if they do not see any fruit (light) of their struggles, if they don’t have this vision.

Joy is celebrating in anticipation our victory over evil and oppression.

Joy is the feeling of those who believe that one day “we shall overcome.”

Joy comes as a result of listening to the voice of the prophet, the voice of God.

Joy comes as a result of giving witness to Christ and his kingdom values.

The eucharist is a sacrament of joy. In the eucharist, we must be happy to

encounter Jesus. The eucharist gives us a reason to be happy

in the midst of trials. The eucharist teaches us to anticipate the

final coming of Jesus Christ.

Our Context of Sin and Grace

Sadness, mourning Unable to get over sadness Living without joy Kill joy Hopeless Energy getter Negativistic Pessimistic

Joyful Positive thinking Optimistic Trusting in the Lord

Suggested Songs

O Come O Come Emmanuel Lord, have mercy for kids

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpRghV_Ngnc

Prepare Ye Lord, I know

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulqjOjYZOns Make Straight the Path

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWlq2ouoEMg