Question of the Week - Third Sunday of Advent, Year B
On this Gaudete Sunday, the “Sunday of Joy,” I am reminded of a hymn text written by the late Sylvia Dunstan, titled “We Will Rejoice.” The strong call to justice is echoed in her poetic lyrics: “When the Lord redeems the very least...When the hungry gather for the feast...When the Lord restores the sick and weak...When the earth is given to the meek...When the Lord revives the world from death...When the Word of God fills every breath, we will rejoice!” In beautiful contrast, composer Shirley Erena Murray wrote, “And God will delight when we are creators of justice and joy, yes, God will delight when we are creators of justice, justice, and joy!”
Both hymn texts point to kingdom building and kingdom living as the source of real joy. Furthermore, each text clarifies that there is a strong connection between works of justice and the gift of joy. The true joy of the Lord will come when all have enough to eat, the sick are healed, the hungry are fed, the poor have safe shelter, and all lives are treasured, cherished, and cared for.
As we travel the remaining days of Advent to the celebration of Christmas, let us take on the challenge to do the work of justice by being creators of joy. Our First Reading (see Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11) reminds us that the spirit of God is upon us, anointing us for this vital work. Whether we create joy by writing Christmas notes, delivering Christmas cookies, donating socks and mittens to the homeless, packing boxes of food for the hungry, befriending a classmate or coworker, or shoveling a neighbor’s snowy sidewalk, the kingdom comes! And God delights in every act of justice and joy that we do.
“We Will Rejoice” text by Sylvia Dunstan, copyright 1991 by GIA Publications, Inc.
“A Place at the Table” text by Shirley Erena Murray, copyright 1998, Hope Publishing Company.
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. Also, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.