BE HAPPY AT ALL TIMES

III SUNDAY OF ADVENT - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

In the Third Sunday of Advent, both the first and the second readings stress the need for happiness. Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, puts it very clearly: “Be happy at all times.” (1 This 5:16). And we find in the prophet Isaiah similar words: “I exult for joy in the Lord, my soul rejoices in my God”. (Is 61:10).

We may ask ourselves what is the reason for all this happiness. Isaiah gives the answer: 

“for he has clothed me in the garments of salvation,

he has wrapped me in the cloak of integrity,

like a bridegroom wearing his wreath,

like a bride adorned in her jewels.” (Is 61:10-11).

We know that in Jesus Christ we are forgiven and reconciled because we are loved; in Jesus Christ, we are children of God and God has decided that we may have a share in his glory. Indeed, “he has clothed me in the garments of salvation”. And life and salvation are to be celebrated, that is why the dimension of feast is so important, and God himself is the one preparing a feast for us. There is a Bemba proverb, filled with insight and the wisdom that comes from the Spirit, which reminds us that God is preparing a banquet for us: Apatebeta Lesa tapafuka cushi (Where God is cooking, there is no smoke). In spite of the lack of smoke, we are aware that God is preparing something good for us, and that awareness fills us with joy. Therefore, it is not surprising that the arts which celebrate life play an important role in the life and in the liturgy of the Church. Architecture, sculpture and painting expressing our faith and helping us to grow in faith present us with some of the most beautiful realisations in the world. And music, in a great variety of forms, comes in to show and to enhance the happiness that comes from Christ.

This joy and this happiness must be expressed in the life of the community and in our relationships with the others, becoming a source of peace.

With the call to happiness, Paul presents a simple rule of life: 

1. constant prayer
2. an attitude of thanksgiving
3. open to the Spirit
4. think and reflect before doing anything
5. hold on to the good
6. avoid every form of evil.

Finally, Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians must be the prayer which we do for each other: 

“May the God of peace make you perfect and holy; and may you all be kept safe and blameless, spirit, soul and body, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thes 5:23)