As the Church draws closer to the Nativity of Our Lord, the readings for this time are suffused with the themes of joy, preparation, and humility. The liturgy today offers us two treasures for meditation: Philippians 4:4-7 and John 1:19-28. These passages, when read in light of the wisdom of the Church Fathers, invite us to enter more deeply into the Advent spirit of anticipation and repentance.
Rejoice in the Lord Always (Philippians 4:4-7)
St. Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians begins with a triumphant call to joy: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, Rejoice!” (Phil 4:4). This joy, however, is not superficial or dependent on worldly circumstances. It is rooted in the nearness of the Lord. As St. Augustine reminds us in his commentary on the Psalms, true joy comes from union with God:
“There is a joy which is not given to the ungodly, but to those who love Thee for Thine own sake, whose joy Thou Thyself art. And this is the happy life, to rejoice to Thee, of Thee, for Thee; this it is, and there is no other.” (Confessions, Book X, 22)
In Advent, this joy is heightened as we anticipate the coming of Christ in His Nativity and prepare for His ultimate return in glory. The peace of God, which St. Paul describes as surpassing all understanding (Phil 4:7), is both a foretaste and a promise of the eternal rest we will find in Him. The Church Fathers often viewed this peace as a gift of grace that guards the heart against the anxieties of the world. St. John Chrysostom writes:
“The peace of God is not limited to one’s understanding but goes beyond all human reasoning. It preserves the soul, ensuring that the storms of life cannot overthrow it.” (Homilies on Philippians, Homily 14)
Thus, this joy and peace are fruits of a heart attuned to prayer, thanksgiving, and trust in the providence of God.
The Voice in the Wilderness (John 1:19-28)
In the Gospel reading, we encounter the humility and mission of St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. When questioned by the priests and Levites, John does not claim any title or honor for himself but points unwaveringly to Christ: “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said” (John 1:23).
St. Gregory the Great reflects on John’s role as a model of humility and self-abnegation:
“John could have deceived men, he could have been mistaken for the Christ. Yet he chose not to seize the glory for himself but to humble himself and serve the truth. For this reason, he is rightly called ‘the friend of the Bridegroom,’ rejoicing greatly in the Bridegroom’s voice.” (Homilies on the Gospels, 20.8)
The Baptist’s example is a stark reminder that our mission, too, is not to exalt ourselves but to prepare the way for Christ in our hearts and in the world. St. Ambrose emphasizes this in his commentary:
“The voice is John, but the Word is Christ. John is the servant, Christ is the Lord. The voice fades when the Word is heard, for the voice leads to the Word.” (Exposition of the Gospel of Luke, 2.19)
As we meditate on John’s response, we are challenged to examine our own lives. Do we, like John, reflect Christ to others? Are we making straight the way of the Lord in our hearts, clearing away the obstacles of sin and pride?
Living the Spirit of Feria V in Advent
In this third week of Advent, marked by the liturgical emphasis on Gaudete (Rejoicing), today’s readings call us to joyful anticipation and humility. St. Paul’s invitation to rejoice is not a fleeting emotion but a command to anchor ourselves in the presence of God, whose coming is near. Simultaneously, John the Baptist’s example teaches us that true joy is found not in self-promotion but in bearing witness to Christ.
Let us, therefore, take these lessons to heart. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and humble ourselves before the Lord. In the words of St. Bernard of Clairvaux:
“The Word comes to us, and though invisible, He is seen; though intangible, He is felt; though incomprehensible, He is known. He whom no eye can see chooses to be seen, and He who sustains all things chooses to be held.” (Sermons on Advent and Christmas, Sermon 1)
May we, like the Baptist, prepare the way for the Lord and await His coming with hearts full of joy and peace.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!