The Advent season calls us to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord. On this Feria III infra Hebdomadam III Adventus (Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent), the Church sets before us two profound passages for meditation: Philippians 4:4-7 and John 1:19-28. These readings remind us of the themes of joy, peace, and humility, which are central to the preparation for Christ’s coming. In the light of the Church Fathers’ wisdom, let us reflect on these sacred texts and their relevance in our Advent journey.
“Rejoice in the Lord Always” (Philippians 4:4-7)
St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians begins with an unmistakable call to joy:
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be nothing solicitous; but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Here, the Apostle reminds us that true joy is not found in the fleeting pleasures of the world but in the Lord alone. The Church Fathers, deeply aware of this truth, often spoke about the nature of Christian joy and peace.
St. John Chrysostom reflects on this passage, highlighting that joy is rooted in a profound confidence in God’s providence:
“For what is there which can trouble him who hath a good hope? … Even if thou be in sorrow, thou wilt speedily recover thyself, since joy cometh of the Spirit, and it is above all sorrow.” (Homily 14 on Philippians)
The saintly bishop reminds us that the peace of God surpasses all understanding because it is not contingent upon external circumstances. It flows from a heart surrendered to divine providence, a heart that approaches God with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.
St. Augustine adds to this idea by encouraging us to cultivate this joy through the proper ordering of our loves. He writes:
“For there is no greater cause of sorrow than an unregulated love, and no greater joy than to love God for His own sake.” (Confessions, Book X)
During Advent, we are invited to purify our desires and detach from the world so that our joy may be full in Christ. The peace that follows is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of Christ Himself, who “keeps our hearts and minds.”
“Who Art Thou?” – The Humility of John the Baptist (John 1:19-28)
The Gospel for today presents us with the humility and mission of St. John the Baptist, the Forerunner of the Lord. When asked by the priests and Levites: “Who art thou?” John responds with profound humility:
“I am not the Christ.”
John is careful to empty himself of any false honor or praise. He identifies himself only as the voice preparing the way for the One who is to come:
“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord.”
The Church Fathers deeply admired John’s humility and his role as the forerunner. St. Gregory the Great describes John’s humility as an essential virtue for all who would prepare the way for Christ in their own lives:
“The words of the humble are the voice of God. For the proud lifts himself up, but the humble subjects himself, and he who subjects himself to truth becomes its herald.” (Homily 7 on the Gospels)
John’s example teaches us that Advent is a time for humility and self-emptying. Like him, we are called to decrease so that Christ may increase (cf. John 3:30). We prepare the way for the Lord not through self-promotion but through self-renunciation, letting go of pride, sin, and worldly attachments.
St. Augustine also meditates on John’s mission, noting how the Baptist’s humility testifies to Christ:
“John was the voice, but the Lord is the Word. John was a passing voice; Christ is the eternal Word from the beginning.” (Tractate on the Gospel of John, 2.5)
This beautiful distinction reminds us that John’s role was to point beyond himself to Christ. In our lives, too, we must resist the temptation to focus on ourselves and instead become witnesses to the Eternal Word, the true light of the world.
Advent Application: Joy, Peace, and Humility
As we enter more deeply into this Third Week of Advent, the liturgy calls us to prepare our hearts by embracing the joy and peace of Christ while imitating the humility of John the Baptist.
- Rejoice in the Lord: Take time each day to recognize the ways God is present in your life. Reflect on His nearness and providence, even amid trials. Offer thanksgiving for His blessings and allow His joy to fill your heart.
- Let the Peace of God Rule: Silence the noise of the world through moments of quiet prayer and supplication. Bring your anxieties to God and trust in His care.
- Prepare the Way with Humility: Imitate John the Baptist by identifying and surrendering the areas of pride and self-reliance in your life. Strive to become a humble voice that points others to Christ.
Conclusion: The Lord Is Near
The cry of the Church during Advent echoes St. Paul’s assurance: “The Lord is near.” This nearness is both a cause for joy and a call to repentance. As we approach the great feast of the Nativity, let us prepare our hearts to receive the Prince of Peace with joy, peace, and humility.
May the intercession of St. John the Baptist and the wisdom of the Church Fathers inspire us to make straight the way of the Lord, that He may find a dwelling place in our hearts this Christmas.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice… The peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Amen.