Nobody but You

3rd Sunday of Advent

Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD narrates that there was this story of a priest who blessed the congregation by saying: "Peace be with you...nobody, nobody but you.". Thereupon the people started dancing to the tune of the popular song "Nobody, Nobody But You". That tune by the Wonder Girls is such a smash hit that virtually every Christmas party I have attended so far featured a group presentation dancing to the beat. Why, I've even learned a few steps myself! No big deal, even my 4 year-old son can swing it.

Christmas parties abound, and the joy of the season is in the air. Fittingly, the liturgical theme on this 3rd Sunday of Advent is Joy.

"Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! " (Reading 1 Zep 3:14-18a)
"Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel." (Responsorial)
"Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always." (Reading 2 Phil 4:4-7)

In the Gospel, St. John the Baptist exhorts his listeners to show their conversion. (Lk 3:10-18)

“Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
"do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Anyone who has felt that the Lord is near is joyful in living the righteous way and sharing the blessings around. We rejoice in the Way, the Truth, and the life - nobody, nobody but Jesus. In the homily today, our priest succinctly emphasized what real joy is:

J esus O ver Y ou