Third Sunday of Advent (O Sapientia)
Also Read: Mass Readings for 17 December 2023
First Reading: Isaiah 61: 1-2a, 10-11
He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; (1)
For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. (11)
The prophetic words of Isaiah are to be fulfilled in Jesus’ voice years later. But here they ring a sound of hope for the people of Israel! As we ponder on the reading, we realize, we too are invited to carry on Christ’s mission in our lives. Let us partake in bringing the good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to captives, and release to the prisoners, in our own little ways. Let us become more sensitive to our surroundings and hear the needs of the hour!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1: 46-50, 53-54
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. (46-47)
He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. (53-54)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: First Thessalonians 5: 16-24
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets. (16-20)
We praise and thank God for his mercies on us! St. Paul reminds us how we are to thank the Lord in all circumstances, as he did himself while in prison. Giving thanks to the Lord in all circumstances helps us come into his warm embrace. We must pray for each other and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as He instructs us as we journey. When we keep returning our thoughts to the Lord and ask the Lord Jesus to intervene in every step of our day, we pray unceasingly. Let us be united in prayer at all times and Praise the Lord!
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28
He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. (7)
He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” (23)
Do we hear the voice of the one calling us out? He once said, “Repent and be baptized.” We ask the Holy Spirit to help us realize our faults and repent. Once we cleanse our hearts we will be able to see Christ the light of the world! His Light still shines today in our darkened world, provided we have the courage to let ourselves come into his presence. Let us also help our brothers and sisters around us to see His Light too! When we say and work on the words of the prophet Isaiah in little thoughtful ways, we will walk in the warmth of the Lord’s Holy Glow.
In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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