This is the command that we receive from the Third Sunday of Advent. The Church refers to this Sunday as Gaudete Sunday. Under "normal" circumstances, this may be easy to do this time of year. However, in light of the tragic events in Newtown, CT, recently, finding anything rejoice-worthy becomes extremely difficult. I can only imagine the challenge that the priests, ministers, and rabbis had this weekend trying to proclaim hope to their congregations. This Sunday at the Catholic Center at UGA, Fr. David challenged all of us to be "Advent people." I had never heard things phrased this way, but I really like it. He urged us to recognize that the season of Advent is not simply one of waiting and hoping on the Lord, but it is a season of action! What are we doing to help bring Jesus into the lives of others so that they can fully rejoice at Christmas? As we wonder what we can do to help the people in Newtown, CT, we need look no further than the gospel from Sunday (Luke 3:10-18). The people, tax collectors, and soldiers asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?" He tells them that they should do that which they are supposed to do. He does not tell them to do anything extraordinary, but rather, they should just treat people justly and fairly. We can do this, can't we? I think so. By taking action in just and fair ways (i.e. raising political awareness, protesting injustice, creating avenues for dialogue), we are, in essence, showing that God is ever-present.
Now, whenever we become aware of tragedy and violence in our world, people wonder, "Where was God in the midst of these horrible things?" Some even go as far as to say that God is bringing punishment upon people for their wrongdoing. Let's be clear, though, that God does not pick and choose when and where to show up. God is ALWAYS present in ALL situations. Only that which is good comes from God because we know that God is love (1 John 4:8), and love is a very good thing. Let me use a classic Christmas movie to expand on this a bit further.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) tells the story of George Bailey, a compassionate, driven, young man, who gives up his dreams of travelling the world in order to be an "Advent person." George chooses first to stand up for what is right and treats people justly and fairly before pursuing his own goals and dreams. Along the way, George leaves a wake of positive influences on others that ultimately transforms his local and national communities. However, at some point, George faces his own tragedy when it seems that he will lose everything in his life. Here, George wonders where God is and if God will help him. Well, God sends an angel to help George realize that God had been present in his life every moment up to that point through the love he gave and received so many times and God would continue to be there every moment from then on. When we learn to recognize God in everything and everywhere through lenses of love, we more effectively prepare ourselves to face major tragedy if and when it comes. So, rather than waiting to call on God when we need God, let us be people of continued faith, hope, and love. Let us be "Advent people!"
I leave you with a couple of songs that pose the question "Where is Love?"
Be the answer.
Be the answer.
Where is the Love? - Black Eyed Peas - 2003 (Lyrics)
May we be ever-faithful, every-mindful, and ever-joyful.
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