Third Sunday of Advent

Today the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Advent. The assigned readings are Zepheniah 3:14-18, Philippians 4:4-7, and Luke 3:10-18. The Responsorial Psalm is from Isaiah 12 (Isaiah 12:2-6).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Psalm Isaiah 12 : 2-6 3rd Sunday of Advent 

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The crowds asked John the Baptist, "What should we do?"

He said to them in reply, "Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise."

Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, "Teacher, what should we do?"

He answered them, "Stop collecting more than what is prescribed."

Soldiers also asked him, "And what is it that we should do?"

He told them, "Do not practice extortion,  do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages."

Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ.

John answered them all, saying, "I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

Reflections on these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2018)

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Third Sunday of Advent (December 16, 2018)

Community in Mission: Five Steps to Better Mental Health - A Homily for the Third Sunday of Advent (15 DEC 18)

Crossroads Initiative: Gaudete Sunday - Advent Joy & John the Baptist

The Sacred Page: Rejoicing in the Midst of Suffering: Gaudete Sunday! (13 DEC 18) 

The Sacred Page: What Should We Do To Prepare? (The Mass Readings Explained) (10 DEC 18)

St. Paul Center: What Do We Do? Scott Hahn Reflects on the Third Sunday of Advent

Word on Fire: Rejoice Always! (Cycle C * Advent * Week 3)

Spirituality of the Readings: Advent Song (The Third Sunday of Advent C)

In Exile: Our Struggle to Celebrate (The Third Sunday of Advent C)

Let the Scriptures Speak: Tough Joy (The Third Sunday of Advent C)

The Word Engaged: Joy in the Diminishments (The Third Sunday of Advent C)

Historical Cultural Context: Toll Collectors and Soldiers (The Third Sunday of Advent C)

Thoughts from the Early Church: Commentary by Origen of Alexandria (The Third Sunday of Advent C)