The document provides details for a Bible study on the 3rd Sunday of Advent including readings from Isaiah, Psalms, James, and Matthew focused on themes of rejoicing at the coming of the Lord, patience, and Jesus affirming the works of John the Baptist in response to his question about whether Jesus is the Messiah.

1. Welcome to our
Bible Study
3rd Sunday of Advent A (Gaudete Sunday)
15 December 2013
In preparation for this Sunday’s Liturgy
In aid of focusing our homilies and sharing
Prepared by Fr. Cielo R. Almazan, OFM

2. 1st reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10
• 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe
will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant
flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon
will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our
God. 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm
the knees that are weak, 4 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. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap
like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams
will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. 10
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and
enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will
meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

3. 1st reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10
• 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe
will rejoice and bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant
flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon
will be given to them, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon.
They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our
God. 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm
the knees that are weak, 4 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. 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
the ears of the deaf be cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap
like a stag, then the tongue of the dumb will sing. Streams
will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe. 10
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and
enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will
meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.
The focus is on the coming of the Lord and
the rejoicing.

4. 1st reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10
A simple outline!
The Land
• 1 The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and
bloom. 2 They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful
song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to them, the splendor of
Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor
of our God.
The weak, the frightened / God’s coming
• 3 Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are
weak, 4 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.
The blind, the deaf, the lame, the dumb
• 5 Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be
cleared; 6 Then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the
dumb will sing.
Water in the desert
• Streams will burst forth in the desert, and rivers in the steppe.
Happiness
• 10 Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion
singing, crowned with everlasting joy. They will meet with joy and
gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

5. 1st reading: Isaiah 35,1-6.10
The Land
• 1 The desert and the parched
land will exult; the steppe will
rejoice and bloom. 2 They will
bloom with abundant flowers, and
rejoice with joyful song. The glory
of Lebanon will be given to them,
the splendor of Carmel and
Sharon. They will see the glory of
the LORD, the splendor of our
God.
The weak, the frightened
• 3 Strengthen the hands that are
feeble, make firm the knees that
are weak, 4 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.
Commentary
• The prophet Isaiah
prophesies the changes that
will occur when the Messiah
comes.
• Let us take note of the joyful
feelings mentioned:
– Exult
– Rejoice and bloom, v.1
– Rejoice with joyful song
– Glory, splendor, v.2
• Vv.3-4 speak of
strengthening and taking
courage.
• The reason: God comes with
vindication, reward and
salvation.

6. The blind, the deaf, the lame,
the dumb
• 5 Then will the eyes of the
blind be opened, the ears of
the deaf be cleared; 6 Then
will the lame leap like a
stag, then the tongue of the
dumb will sing.
Water in the desert
• Streams will burst forth in
the desert, and rivers in the
steppe.
Happiness
• 10 Those whom the LORD
has ransomed will return
and enter Zion singing,
crowned with everlasting
joy. They will meet with joy
and gladness, sorrow and
mourning will flee.
• Vv.5-6 speaks of
healing the privations
(deprivations) and the
handicapped.
• V.6b goes back to the
theme in v.1 about the
land. But this time,
there will be water
where there was none.
• V.10 picks up the joyful
mood of the first
verses:
– Singing, with joy and
gladness
– No more mourning

7. Reflections on the 1st reading
• The reading portrays the joyful effect of the
coming of the Lord.
• It is not only humans who benefit from the
coming of the Lord, but also the land.
• The coming of the Lord brings rejoicing, healing,
strengthening, returning to the Temple, and
glorifying God.
• It eliminates sorrow and mourning.
• The attentive and believing reader must know
how to react to this prophesy.
• For the incredulous, nothing will happen. It will
all be the same.
– All these prophesies are meaningless.

8. • For the hopeful, all these things will happen.
– They will joyfully look forward to these events
throughout their lives.
– They will pray and hope that these will soon happen
to them.
– Even if they are sick, deprived and poor, they will now
rejoice.
• They are listening to the voice of the prophet
voice of God).
• Do you know how to hope?
• Are you happy with your life in the midst of
deprivations?
• Does the reading mean anything to you?
(the

9. Resp. Ps. 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
• R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and save us.
• 6 The LORD God keeps faith forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
7 gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
• 8 The LORD gives sight to the blind;
the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.
9 The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
• 9 The fatherless and the widow he sustains,
but the way of the wicked he thwarts.
10 The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all generations.

10. Resp. Ps. 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10
•
R. (cf. Is 35:4) Lord, come and
save us.
•
6 The LORD God keeps faith
forever,
secures justice for the oppressed,
7 gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets captives free.
•
8 The LORD gives sight to the
blind;
the LORD raises up those who
were bowed down.
9 The LORD loves the just;
the LORD protects strangers.
•
9 The fatherless and the widow he
sustains,
but the way of the wicked he
thwarts.
10 The LORD shall reign forever;
your God, O Zion, through all
generations.
Commentary
• In the psalm, God clearly favors
the poor.
• In vv.6-7, God secures justice,
food and freedom for them.
• In v.8, God restores their sight
and dignity.
• In v.9, God loves and protects
the innocent.
• In v.9b, God sustains the
orphans and widows, those
who cannot earn a living.
• He fouls up the plan of the
wicked.
• V.10 acclaims God as king for
ever.

11. Reflections on the Psalm
• God loves the poor, the oppressed and the
vulnerable.
• God pays attention to the poor majority.
• God is the number one activist and advocate for
the PDOE (poor, deprived, oppressed and
exploited).
• God is not on our side, if we are oppressive and
unjust.

12. 2nd reading: James 5,7-10
• 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the
coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for
the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with
it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8
You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do
not complain, brothers, about one another, that
you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is
standing before the gates. 10 Take as an
example of hardship and patience, brothers, the
prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

13. 2nd reading: James 5,7-10
• 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the
coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for
the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with
it until it receives the early and the late rains. 8
You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of the Lord is at hand. 9 Do
not complain, brothers, about one another, that
you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is
standing before the gates. 10 Take as an
example of hardship and patience, brothers, the
prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
The focus is on patience.

14. 2nd reading: James 5,7-10
A simple outline!
Be patient like the farmer
• 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the
Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of
the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early
and the late rains. 8 You too must be patient.
Be firm
• Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is
at hand. 9 Do not complain, brothers, about one
another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge
is standing before the gates.
Be patient like the prophets
• 10 Take as an example of hardship and patience,
brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the
Lord.

15. 2nd reading: James 5,7-10
Be patient like the farmer
• 7 Be patient, therefore,
brothers, until the coming
of the Lord. See how the
farmer waits for the
precious fruit of the earth,
being patient with it until it
receives the early and the
late rains. 8 You too must
be patient.
Be firm
• Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of
the Lord is at hand. 9 Do
not complain, brothers,
about one another, that
you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is
standing before the gates.
Be patient like the prophets
• 10 Take as an example of
hardship and patience,
brothers, the prophets
who spoke in the name of
the Lord.
Commentary
• What is to be patient?
• The reading solicits our patience in the
context of the coming of the Lord.
• We must follow the example of the farmer.
Vv.7-8
• Patience is the ability to wait.
• It rules out undue expectations of fast
results.
• Patience is firmness of heart and keeps the
integrity of the community. V.8b
• Impatience destroys the community. It
manifests itself in complaining (bickering,
asking questions from those who don’t know the
answer).
•
•
Judgment is the punishment for the
impatient (the reklamador) V.9
We must also follow the example of the
prophets, who boldly speak in the name of
the Lord, but wonder when their prophesies
will actually happen.

16. Reflections on the 2nd reading
• Like the farmers and the prophets, we must
be patient as we wait for the Lord (for help).
• It pays to be patient, because it does not
further disturb the community or the
individuals.
• Knowing that the Lord is coming (resolution of
our tensions and problems), we cannot but be
patient. There is no other way.
• Even in urgent matters, we are asked to
exercise this virtue of patience.

17. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11
• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah,
he sent his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you
the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" 4
Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you
hear and see: 5 the blind regain their sight, the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. 6
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." 7 As
they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds
about John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A
reed swayed by the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to
see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear
fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9 Then why did you go
out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a
prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will
prepare your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you,
among those born of women there has been none greater
than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of
heaven is greater than he.

18. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11
•
2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent
his disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to
come, or should we look for another?" 4 Jesus said to them in
reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain
their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the
dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to
them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me." 7 As
they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about
John, "What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by
the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in
fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. 9
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and
more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare
your way before you.' 11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of
women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the
least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
The focus is on the works of Messiah.

19. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11
A simple outline!
The Question of John about Jesus
• 2 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his
disciples to him 3 with this question, "Are you the one who is to come, or
should we look for another?"
The Answer about Jesus
• 4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5
the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf
hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to
them. 6 And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
The Question of Jesus about John
• 7 As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
"What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8
Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those
who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
The answer about John
• 9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more
than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I am
sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.'
11 Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none
greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is
greater than he.

20. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11
The Question of John about Jesus
•
2 When John heard in prison of the works of
the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3
with this question, "Are you the one who is to
come, or should we look for another?"
The Answer about Jesus
•
4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John
what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their
sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the
deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor
have the good news proclaimed to them. 6
And blessed is the one who takes no offense
at me."
The Question of Jesus about John
•
7 As they were going off, Jesus began to
speak to the crowds about John, "What did you
go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by
the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who
wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
The answer about John
•
9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10
This is the one about whom it is written:
'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of
you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11
Amen, I say to you, among those born of
women there has been none greater than John
the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of
heaven is greater than he.
Commentary
• The reading is about the
works of the Messiah.
• John the Baptist sends his
disciples to Jesus to ask
about him:
– Is he the Messiah or is he not?
Vv.2-3
• In v.4, Jesus indirectly
answers. He enumerates his
works, which they hear and
see,v.5:
–
–
–
–
–
Blind, see
Lame, walk
Lepers, cleansed
Deaf, hear
Poor, good news proclaimed
to them
• Yes, he is the Messiah.

21. Gospel reading: Matthew 11,2-11
The Question of John about Jesus
•
2 When John heard in prison of the works of
the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him 3
with this question, "Are you the one who is to
come, or should we look for another?"
The Answer about Jesus
•
4 Jesus said to them in reply, "Go and tell John
what you hear and see: 5 the blind regain their
sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the
deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor
have the good news proclaimed to them. 6
And blessed is the one who takes no offense
at me."
The Question of Jesus about John
•
7 As they were going off, Jesus began to
speak to the crowds about John, "What did you
go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by
the wind? 8 Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who
wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
The answer about John
•
9 Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10
This is the one about whom it is written:
'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of
you; he will prepare your way before you.' 11
Amen, I say to you, among those born of
women there has been none greater than John
the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of
heaven is greater than he.
• V.6 “to take no offense” is the
same as not to be scandalized.
Blessed is the one who is not
offended by me, by what I do, by
what I am, by what I say, by what I
think.”
• Now is the turn of Jesus to shoot
questions to the crowds: v.7
• What did they expect to see in the
desert?
• Not reed, not someone in fine
clothing v.8
• But a prophet, more than a
prophet, the messenger to
prepare the path, greatest among
those born of women.vv.9-11
• Greater than he is the least in the
kingdom. V.11

22. Reflections on the gospel reading
• We must know how to interpret the “signs of the
times.”
• The “signs of the times” point to God’s presence.
• They also indicate that change is urgently
needed.
• Christians should learn that
– if there is healing, God is there.
– If the good news is proclaimed, God is there.
– if people listen to the Word of God, God is there.

23. Tying the 3 readings and the Psalm
• The first reading talks about the joy at the
coming of the Lord.
• The psalm celebrates God’s liberating presence
(it brings joy).
• The second reading talks about patience.
• The gospel reading talks about the activities of
the Messiah (that brings joy).

24. How to develop your homily / sharing
• The sharer or preacher must develop the theme
of joy in this Sunday’s liturgy.
• Third Sunday is Gaudete Sunday, which means
Rejoice.
• It is clear from the readings why we should
rejoice.
• All the readings tell us of the coming of the Lord,
the Messiah.
• In different ways, the readings state the reasons
why.

25. • The first reading exhorts us, readers, to rejoice
because the Lord who is coming will bring
changes to our lives.
• All things, all peoples, will see the glory and
splendor of the Lord.
• This means, God will be revealed totally to all of
us.
• God’s revelation is his personal communication
to us.
• Besides, God will vindicate and save us.
• It will be the end of oppression.
• The Lord is coming to us to fight our fights and
to restore justice to us.

26. • The second reading teaches patience until the
coming of the Lord.
• Salvation, redemption, destruction of evil is
always an urgent matter.
• But, if there is delay, what must a Christian do?
• The Christian must be patient. He / she has no
other way but to be patient.
• God takes his time fulfilling his promises. That’s
why, Christians must be patient always.
• If you have no patience, you cannot have joy,
you cannot be God’s missionary.

27. • In the gospel reading, Jesus is happy to report to John’s
disciples that what has been prophesied in Isaiah is now
being fulfilled.
– The lame walk, the dumb hear, the blind see, etc. These people
must be happy now, even their friends and relatives.
• These are all signs of the coming of God’s kingdom.
• The Lord is, indeed, come and his ministry has effected
positive results.
• John the Baptist, who is now in prison, must be happy
too. He is rejoicing at what is now happening around.
• He and his disciples will not look for another one.
• He is it. He is the Messiah. Jesus, identified as Messiah,
vindicates the efforts of John the Baptist.

28. • Are you a happy person?
• Do you have joy within you?
• If you don’t know how to be happy, you have a
big problem.
– You are emotionally handicapped.
– You are sick.
– Your eyes are clouded. You can’t see many good
things happening around you.
– Go to a counselor.
• It is God’s will that we enjoy life.
• Learn how to be happy. It is a matter of attitude
and faith.
• Don’t waste your life living in misery and making
others miserable.

29. • The eucharist is a sacrament of joy.
• The eucharist should be enough to
console us of our afflictions.
• In the eucharist, as we die with him, we
also rise with him. He invites us to share in
his glory.

30. Context of Sin and Grace
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• Healing
• Ability to respond God’s call with
drugs, gambling, illicit sex, etc.)
joy
Resistance to change, to
• Ability to rejoice, to be happy
something new
• Ability to give joy
Not consoled by the word of
• Humour
God because of disbelief.
• Generosity
Hopelessness, desperation, KJ
• Celebrates with the community,
Impatience
with the Church
Abandoned patients, no
• Smiles
medicine
False teachings about
happiness (through money,
Dying without dignity
Environmental degradation
No closure of conflicts
No resolution of tensions

31. Suggested Songs
• O Come Emmanuel
• The King of Glory