Advent calls us to peace and joy

December 14, 2003 -- Third Sunday of Advent

By Fr. Richard Ver Bust

	Fr. Richard Ver Bust

The joy of the Advent season is reflected in our readings today. Paul shouts out this theme. Our second reading, as we saw last week, is from a letter in which Paul constantly returns to the idea of joy as an essential element of the Christian experience.

It ties in with his thoughts about the return of Jesus on that special day of the Lord that will bring Christ's work to completion. We all have a part in helping to spread the good news.

Paul's letters frequently have as their core the teaching he wishes to share with those he is writing to. In other words, Paul's letters are first of all extensions of his preaching.

He begins by informing his hearers of the contents of the good news. It is only then that he begins to consider the moral implications of what he is teaching.

Paul first tries to show what God has done and then point out what our response should be. The primary message is not moral but what God has done for us so in turn we realize it.

Paul knows the situation in Philippi and he wants to help them solve their problems and questions. He knows that the faith community is split by internal divisions caused by some who were self-seeking.

Thus Paul urges the Philippians to seek unity and put away the pride that hinders unity. He urges them to imitate Christ's humility. To illustrate his point, Paul incorporates a beautiful hymn that the community may have been using.

This hymn describes Christ's willingness to be humbled both in becoming human and in dying. For this reason, the hymn continues, God has exalted him and given him the name Lord, which all Christians confess.

All that was done that God may be glorified, that is, so we would recognize God's rule. Paul taught that this is the pattern of Christian existence and that fellowship in the Christian community should be based on Christ's example.

Paul saw that unity could not take place when people only sought their own interests. Unity comes from being like Christ and seeking humility and selfless love.

It is only then that Paul could challenge the community and exhort them to the unity, joy, and peace that often eluded them.

The call to joy and peace of mind that is central to our reading today is based upon the premise that Christ is in our midst. This concept and realization goes beyond, as Paul says, all comprehension.

We as human beings have a tough time grasping much less living it. The joy of this realization elevates and surpasses any other human experience. Advent calls us to seek this realization.

(The late Fr. Ver Bust directed the master's program in theology at St. Norbert College, De Pere.)