Fr Dan Carroll SDB, Rector of the Salesian Community in Pallaskenry, Limerick shares a reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent.
Christmas is already near. The joy of the coming of God should fill the time between now and then. If we love the one we are waiting for, we rejoice when we know that he is coming soon. Even without his physical presence we can feel the joy of his imminent arrival. While we hope that God will come into our lives, our joy is the way to show our love for God whom we need so badly. It should not be difficult for believers to live in joy in a world where God seems to be absent, if we know that he is already on the way. Knowing that he is coming is the way to recover the joy of living.
The liturgy makes it clear that joy comes from knowing that God is near. If we really wait for him, and prepare for his coming, we will regain the joy of knowing that our God is already close to us.
Lectio divina on Mt 11, 2-11:
http://www.salesiansireland.ie/2013/12/sunday-15th-december-2013-3rd-sunday-of-advent-year-a/