Sunday Gospel Comment
Alberic Jacovone OSB
YEAR B THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - 15.12.02 Is 61,1-2.10-11; 1 Thess 5,16-24; Jn 1,6-8.19-28 Don’t worry - be happy! Coping with life. As we go on in life, we all get our share of good and bad, joy and sorrow, surprise and disappointment: when the going gets tough, we are told, the tough get going. In the task of moving on in life, -especially in the face of tragedies like bush-fires, terrorism, threat of war, loss of life..., we try to help by offering each other a variety of comforting strategies. We may suggest: put up and shut up, or get a stiff upper lip, or ‘che sara’ sara’, or be stoic and refuse to feel pain, or count your losses and move or don’t cave-in and persevere. While these attitudes are worthwhile, they are based on human wisdom; we all use them and at times they work But whereas these attitudes come ‘from below’, there are other attitudes which stir our human hope and rely on religious faith. People with strong religious conviction draw energy and strength from a mind-set that comes ‘from above’ and is based on trusting God. All that we are & have, and all that comes our way is part of God’s plan: in this mind-set, we move irresistibly towards a future, which is never predictable but always possible; our life and history, indeed the whole universe are moving towards a fulfilment, which -as sure that God is God- will take place in God’s good time. And as we appear on the scene of the universe, we contribute our part towards the fulfilment of God’s plan. And as we go through the ups and downs of life, we long and strive, persevere and work hard to precipitate -if it were possible- the outcome of God’s fulfilment. In this mind-set, God is in charge. As we face challenge, disappointment and even tragedy, He reminds us that he is a God unrivalled and unchallenged, He reassures us saying: do not be afraid, I am with you, I hold you in the palm of my hand; so push on, don’t worry and be happy. "Don’t Worry, Be Happy" is the popular, well known song of Bobby McFerrin. It draws its energy from the Christian mind-set that for all its aches, conflicts and miseries, life has meaning and it makes sense in the overall realization that God has a dream in store for each of us. As true that God is God, He is faithful to himself and his promises. The conviction that He is constantly coming towards us to fulfil his loving designs about us should give us confidence and allow sorrow to be transformed into joy. The third Sunday of Advent is unique, in that it focuses on the theme of joy: a theme that seems impractical and contrary to the spirit of Advent, always suggesting that life is tough, difficult, unpredictable, complex and challenging. Still joy is also there if we reflect on what God has in store for us. As we wait for the coming of the Lord, we may need courage when we are fait-hearted, patience when we are angry, alertness when we are drowsy, trust when we become insensitive to God’s promises... but still, we are reminded to wait in joyful expectation for the Lord is coming - soon and for real. To highlight the theme of joy the Church has adopted for today, a special colour: pink. The priest can wear pink vestments, the Advent wreath has a pink candle, the other candles can be pink and so can be all the decorations. Mass opens with the words from Philippians (4,4-5): ‘Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice! The Lord is near’. Today’s second reading also focuses on joy: even in the midst of difficulties and sufferings, ‘be happy at all times, pray always and thank God for everything’ The joyful expectation of this Sunday is expressed very well in the famous song by Bobby McFerrin. Notice how much resonates from the Gospel. The words come from God -the real ‘Landlord’- through Jesus, who said: ain’t got no place to lay my head’... Don’t Worry, Be Happy Here is a little song I wrote You might want to sing it note for note: Don’t worry, be happy. In every life we have some trouble When you worry you make it double: Don’t worry, be happy (now). (twice) CHORUS: Don’t worry, be happy - don’t worry, be happy Don’t worry, be happy - don’t worry be happy
Ain’t got no place to lay your head Somebody came and took your bed: Don’t worry, be happy. The Landlord say your rent is late He may have to litigate: don’t worry be happy CHORUS: (Look at me, I’m happy. Don’t worry, be happy Here I give you my phone number. When you worry, call me: I make you happy. Don’t worry, be happy)
Ain’t got no cash, ain’t got no style Ain’t got no gal to make you smile but don’t worry be happy ‘Cause when you worry your face will frown And that will bring everybody down: so don’t worry be happy (now)...
There is this little song I wrote; I hope you learn it note for note Like good little children: don’t worry, be happy: listen to what I say. In your life expect some trouble. But when you worry, you make it double. Don’t worry, be happy. CHORUS: Don’t worry, don’t worry, don’t do it. Be happy Put a smile on your face Don’t bring everybody down like this Don’t worry. It will soon pass, whatever it is. Don’t worry be happy. I’m not worried, I’m happy... ______________________________________ |
