Readings for Third Week of Advent:
Zephaniah 3: 14–18a
Philippians 4: 4–7
Luke 3: 10–18
Joy defines Advent. On Gaudete Sunday, this third week of the Advent season, it is time to rejoice and be glad as we anticipate the hope and wonder of the Christ Child’s arrival.
So how do we rejoice in the waiting and continue preparing ourselves to be our best selves? The readings for the third Sunday of Advent help us.
In the gospel, we hear from John the Baptist again as crowds flock to ask him how they should prepare the way:
(Luke 3: 10–18)
“What should we do?”
He said to them in reply,
“Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them,
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
Soldiers also asked him,
“And what is it that we should do?”
He told them,
“Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages.”
This gospel message reminds me of a man many of you knew, William B. Neenan, SJ. This beloved Jesuit and former administrator at Boston College for 35 years, went home to God in June of 2014, but his legacy lives on in the wisdom and grace he bestowed. Relentlessly pursuing joy and living the gospel, he had a wonderful charisma that led many to flock to him, asking how to prepare the way. Fr. Neenan always responded with a “Hello, friend,” and a reason to rejoice.
Like John the Baptist, Fr. Neenan reminded us about the things in life that pull us away from being our best selves: selfishness, greed, sin, hatred, racism, stubbornness, jealousy, ego--to name just a few. In turn he offered advice that instilled the peace of God. I found one of the greatest lessons of my lifetime in a Fr. Neenan story on how to rejoice in times when joy can be elusive.
It was seven Advents ago, and I had been going through a period of great frustration. I guess you could say I wasn’t my best self. Fr. Neenan noticed and with a “Hello, friend,” he called me into the warmth of his office. We chatted for a few minutes about the length of the Missouri River, and then he looked at me and said, “So friend, what's going on?” His tender question gave me permission to unleash a litany of reasons for my frustration. When I finished, he looked at me and asked, “Have you ever been to Paris?” At first, I was a little startled by the question, thinking what does Paris have to do with anything? I answered a quick “No,” and he leaned back, crossed his hands, and looked up as if he was recalling a fond memory.
He went on to tell me about his first trip to Paris. He was struck by how wide the busy streets were, gesturing with his long arms. He mentioned that cars would travel at tremendous speeds, whipping by, as if there weren’t a pedestrian in sight. He stood on a street corner and wondered aloud, “How does anyone make it across the street alive?” Then, he keenly observed that the pedestrians who stepped off the curb and timidly wove into and dodged the oncoming traffic had the toughest time making it across the street. However, the pedestrians who stepped off the curb “confident and unafraid” and walked straight with purpose made it across just fine. He winked and revealed, “Life is a busy Paris street. We have lots of distractions and challenges that can pull us away from what God wants for us. Don’t get caught up in the oncoming traffic.” He leaned over and whispered, “Keep walking straight. God is right behind you, God is right beside you, God is right in front of you. God is waiting for you on the other side.”
Nodding, I realized his Advent revelation was for me an epiphany. Life is a busy Paris street, but God is with us, always. We can’t live joy when we become entangled in things that separate us from receiving God’s love and sharing his love, compassion, and kindness with others. When we live joy, we REJOICE in the comfort of God’s grace.
As the second reading reminds us:
(Philippians 4: 4–7)
I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all.
The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Joy defines Advent, and Fr. Neenan did too.
So, REJOICE, and let’s live Advent. The Christ Child is coming, soon.