Third Sunday: Joy - Shepherd's Candle
THIRD SUNDAY of ADVENT – C
"A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." - Proverbs 17:22
Hope enables us to have peace. Joy is born out of inner peace. Today we reflect on the theme Joy, which is the symbol of Shepherds’ s candle. It is called Gaudete Sunday meaning Rejoice Sunday.
Story: Stop and Smell the Roses
A little monk lived in a monastery in the mountains. He was known for his perpetual smile and his joyful spirit. One day, a young traveler came to the monastery, seeking wisdom and guidance. He was tired, hungry, and discouraged. The little monk welcomed the traveler with open arms and invited him to share a meal. As they ate, the traveler asked the little monk, "How do you maintain your joy in the midst of such a simple and austere life?"
The little monk smiled and said, "My young friend, I have learned that joy is not something that comes from outside, but from within. I have made a conscious decision to choose joy, no matter what circumstances I find myself in."
The traveler was intrigued and asked, "But how do you do that?"
The little monk replied, "I wake up every morning and say to myself, 'Today is a new day, full of new opportunities. I will choose to see the beauty in everything, to appreciate the simple things, and to find joy in every moment.'"
The little monk's story teaches us that joy is a choice. We can choose to see the world through the lens of joy, even in difficult circumstances. Joy is not something that depends on external circumstances, but on our internal attitude. We can cultivate joy by focusing on the present moment, appreciating the simple things, and choosing to see the beauty in everything.
First Reading
Prophet encourages to shout with joy as God removes judgment, freeing us from guilt and shame. God turns away our enemies through Jesus. It is great promise that God is going to be amidst us and that there will be no misfortune again, no fear, and no discouragement. God rejoice over you when you return like prodigal son and renews you in love. He celebrates our victory joyfully.
Second Reading
St. Paul says that we should always rejoice because we have received the fruit of the Holy Spirit in the person of Jesus. Joy is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). Only man filled with the Holy Spirit could understand it. One is able to rejoice only when someone receives the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
Gospel Reading
True Joy in Charity:
Joy is the invitation to share the love in charity according to one’s state of life as it said in Luke 3:10–18. As he advises crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers to be charitable we find our true joy in charity. “In all things I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20: 35).
True Joy in Humility:
Like St. John, we should celebrate humility. True joy is when you can be humble. Humility brings freedom from pride and self-centeredness, allowing us to experience joy without the burden of ego. When we're humble, we're more likely to be at peace with ourselves and others. Humility cultivates gratitude, which is a key component of joy. When we're humble, we're more likely to appreciate the good things in life. Humility helps us connect with others on a deeper level, which can bring joy and a sense of belonging. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mathew 5:3). True joy is Kingdom of God.
Fr. Raja MSFS