Joyful in Hope – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Cycle A)

 

Joyful in Hope – 3rd Sunday of Advent

“When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to Him.” – Matthew 11:2 (NABRE)

Advent is a season of joyful expectation, a time when hope is not a vague wish, but a firm conviction rooted in Christ. The readings remind us of a bright future, one that may seem utopian, yet is grounded in God’s promises.

Christian hope stands in sharp contrast to despair. It resists the temptation to “cop out” through escapism—whether in addictions, destructive habits, or resignation to meaninglessness. Hope teaches us how to confront depression and suffering: not by denial, but by kneeling before the Father who reigns “over the world of the stars,” as Beethoven’s Ode to Joy so beautifully echoes.

Consider the friend who faces terminal illness. Without hope, one might say, “We all die sooner or later.” But Christian hope proclaims there is more to come. Death is not the end, but the doorway to eternal life. Advent whispers to us: stay tuned, for the Lord is nearby.

Here Is Your God – Isaiah 35:1–6, 10

This radiant poem, attributed to “Second Isaiah,” was spoken to exiles in Babylon. The prophet foresaw the downfall of Babylon and the rise of King Cyrus of Persia, who would set the captives free.

“Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you.” – Isaiah 35:4 (NABRE)

The prophecy continues:

“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf be cleared.” – Isaiah 35:5–6 (NABRE)

This passage finds fulfillment in the Gospels. In Matthew 11:4–5, Jesus answers John’s disciples by pointing to His miracles—the blind see, the deaf hear, the lame walk. Luke 7:22 echoes the same, emphasizing both what is “seen and heard.” The lights of Christmas are not mere decoration; they symbolize Christ, the Light of the World, who dispels darkness and restores vision.

The Lord’s Coming Is at Hand – James 5:7–10

James counsels' patience. The Messianic future is real but not fully realized in this life.

“You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” – James 5:8 (NABRE)

Like farmers awaiting the harvest, we must endure with steadfastness. The prophets serve as models of perseverance. For those suffering, this passage becomes a springboard for prayer—an invitation to lift our trials to God with confidence.

Effects of the Lord’s Coming – Matthew 11:2–11

Matthew ties the Advent message together: Jesus is the One-to-come, the fulfillment of Isaiah’s vision. His coming brings hope to the suffering, healing to the broken, and light to the weary.

Hope manifests in many ways:

  • Through the compassion of a loving human presence.
  • Through acceptance of unavoidable trials, grounded in faith.
  • Through the promise of eternal life beyond this world.

Every Christmas, Christ opens our eyes anew to the beauty of life—and to the greater life yet to come.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, Light of the World,
In this Advent season, strengthen our hearts with joyful hope.
When trials shake us, remind us that You have prayed for us,
that our faith may not fail.
Open our eyes to Your works,
our ears to Your Word,
and our hearts to Your coming.
Grant us patience, courage, and peace,
until the day we see You face to face.
Amen.


Joyful hope shines bright,
Blind eyes opened, hearts made firm—
The Lord is at hand.

Location: Hollywood, FL 33025, USA

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