
What does this mean for us? That our situation can still change. God is calling on us to rejoice not just because of our blessings, but because God is faithful. Rejoice that you serve a God for whom nothing is too difficult.
James reiterates the necessity for us to remain steadfast while awaiting the Lord’s arrival. The community of James were poor believers who had become fearful, frustrated, and anxious. James encourages them to look to the definitive advent of the Lord who saves, to remain patiently committed, and to know that God is already with them turning things around for their good.
John has spoken eloquently about Jesus as the coming Messiah, but what he hears about Jesus’s ministry possibly does not seem in tandem with his expectations. So the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus. The response he receives settles the question of who Jesus is and what he does. John’s faith did not fail; rather, it got strengthened and confirmed. When the storm of Herod raged on, John was still strong.
The essence of today’s celebration is to look beyond everything around us, those troubles that wear us down. The Church is saying today: put on your dancing shoes and start counting your blessings. That is why this third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete Sunday.” Happiness is not simply what you get when all our problems are over; it is what we choose regardless of our problems. Our prayers may look unanswered, but that does not mean God is weak or unconcerned. We must learn to be patient and wait upon God.