Timothy P. Williams, National Formation Director for the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul in the United States, reflects on the readings for
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent.
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****Thursday of the Third Week of Advent****
Today's Lectionary Readings
Have you ever been so filled with joy that you could not contain
yourself? You walked down the street smiling and greeting every
stranger? You couldn't stop humming or singing a happy tune? You had
an extra spring in your step? You could hardly sit still? It is easy to
imagine that feeling in today's readings, in which we see repeated
descriptions of a joy that cannot - and should not - be contained!
First, the prophet Zephaniah urges us to "shout for joy," "sing
joyfully," and even "exult" with all of our heart. He calls us not
to mere happiness, but to joy - a radiance that fills us completely,
and overflows into song and shouts of joy. The Psalm continues this
theme, repeating the call to "exult" and "sing a new song,"
brought forth from our joy-filled hearts. Like the prophet, the psalmist
assures us that the Lord is near, that He loves us, rejoices with us,
and saves us.
Finally, in Luke's Gospel, we read of Mary's visit to Elizabeth,
both of them pregnant. When she greets Mary, the baby she carries leaps
in Elizabeth's womb. The word "exult" comes from the Latin
**exsultÄre,** meaning "to leap up." The infant John is literally
exulting in the presence of Jesus, and in anticipation of His birth.
Even before his own birth, John begins to fulfill his mission to
"testify to the light ."
As Advent draws close to its culmination with the celebration of the
Nativity, our own anticipation grows. Much like a small child, unable to
sleep on the night before Christmas, we await with joyful anticipation
the incarnation of the Lord who saves us, shares our humanity, weeps
with us, and sings with us: our God-with-us, Emmanuel.
May this special season of Advent serve always to renew our childlike
joy at the coming of the Lord, and may that joy not be contained only
within this season. Instead, let us carry that joy within our hearts
throughout the year. Let our smiles come naturally from deep in our
renewed hearts and let us "testify to the light," sharing the good
news with all!
**Timothy P. Williams is a weak Samaritan, North Dakota State Bison
football fan, and the National Formation Director for the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul in the United States.**
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