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Third Sunday in Advent

Rarely do we have such upbeat, vibrant lessons as we have in the Psalm reading and the Isaiah passage—either could stand alone to form a rich homily that encourages and uplifts. The other two readings—James 5 and Matthew 11—also share a common theme: patience. They would also require some cross-fertilization of images and ideas to create a helpful, memorable homily. Whichever you choose for this Sunday, know that God’s fingerprints of grace and joy is all the texts!

PSALM 146:5-10—RHAPSODY OF PRAISE

This psalm opens with heraldic pronouncement: Praise the Lord (praise, sing, and trust). The psalmist begins by telling us where not to put our trust—"not . . . in princes" (v.v. 3-4), for in the long run, they’re flimsy and unreliable. By a descriptive contrast, however, we are wholly justified in offering praise to God, for the God of Jacob . . . creates, executes justice, feeds the hungry, sets prisoners free, opens blind eyes, lifts the bowed down, watches over strangers, and supports the orphan and widow (vv. 5-9). As it opens, so the psalm closes with the joyous announcement: Praise the Lord!

ISAIAH 35:1-10—GOD’S NEW REIGN

This lesson moves us into flora and fauna as envisioned in the new order of God’s reign on earth: a transformed wilderness. In this new order deserts bloom, the crocus sings, and all creation acknowledges God’s majesty. Before such a vision persons still existing in the old, present order are encouraged: energize limp hands, strengthen the rubbery knees (The Message), and say to those who are a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’ Once gain, the lesson moves us to profound worship as God reworks creation to Edenic levels of wholeness and then all creation will resounds with joy and gladness.

JAMES 5:7-10—PATIENCE, PATIENCE

This is undoubtedly the most famous passage in the Bible on the subject of patience which admonishes us be patient as we wait for God’s special re-entry-to-planet-earth Day. The farmer exhibits just the kind of patience we need: waiting patiently for the rains to bring a successful harvest. So, says the writer, you must also be patient. Practically, that means to avoid like grumbling—a sure sign of impatience. A final example has the prophet—though we are not privy to the precise prophet being referred to—stand as another great example of suffering and patience.

MATTHEW 11:2-11—DOUBTS FROM THE GAOL?

Do we have in our gospel lesson yet another example of the need for patience? Holy harbinger, even John the Baptist seems to be impatient concerning Jesus. In this less than flattering portrayal of John, the Baptist asks, Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another? (v. 3). Jesus affirms the important role that John has played as being the harbinger of the kingdom of heaven.