“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 poor.” – Isaiah 61:1
Christian, behold your mission: Through your baptism and your confirmation, you have been anointed to share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal offices of Jesus the Christ, the Anointed One.
YOU have been “christened” to bring good news to the poor. YOU have been chosen to proclaim liberty to captives. YOU have been sent to heal the brokenhearted.
So, will you?
Right now there is a relationship in your family that needs mending. Will you start a conversation? Right now there is a friend who needs comfort. Will you give her a call? Right now there is someone who is lonely. Will you pray for him? Right now there are young women being sold into sex-slavery. Will you raise awareness? Right now there is an orphan child in Uganda who cannot afford an education. Will you sponsor him?
When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, asking if she would be the Mother of God, she said “Yes.” As a result, the Savior of the world became Flesh in her womb. This good news filled Mary with joy! As we hear in this Sunday’s Psalm, her “soul proclaimed the greatness of the Lord, and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior.”
I don’t know about you, but that’s what I want – to be filled with joy. But before something can be filled, it must be empty. Only when we give, when we empty ourselves out for love of another, as Christ did for us, can we make room to receive and be filled with His love and joy.
Therefore, on this joyful Third Sunday of Advent – Gaudete Sunday – let us resolve to exhaust our time, talent, and treasure in service to the poor, especially children, so that we may more fully receive the Christ Child into our hearts on Christmas Day. What greater joy could there be than to share in God’s love like that?
O LORD, Joy of our souls, we pray without ceasing and give you thanks in all circumstances. For, in your love, you continually pour out your graces upon us. Give us generous hearts, that we may love others as you have loved us. Let us never hesitate to share the joy of the gospel with all those we meet, especially the poor and oppressed. Amen.