Responsorial Psalm, Third Sunday of Advent, Year A, Psalm 146

Shalom Brethren. Praise be to our Lord Jesus Christ. During Advent the Liturgy is normally somber, however, Liturgy on the third Sunday emphasizes the joyous anticipation of the Lord’s coming. It is Gaudete Sunday, in which we are invited to rejoice because our salvation is near. Our responsorial Psalm is drawn from Psalm 146, and the response from Isaiah 35:4, a verse right in the first reading of the day. For our appreciation, Psalms 146 through 150 are also known as the Hallel or Hallelujah Psalms. Hallel means Praise, and Jah is a form of abbreviation for Yahweh. Therefore, Hallelujah simply means Praise the Lord. These Hallel psalms begin and end with the words Praise the Lord. The Responsorial Psalm in a way points to the Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is generally to those who are weak and disadvantaged in society. The Lord is compassionate to them, not by word of mouth, but by deed. Both the first Reading and the Responsorial Psalm list the many works that depict the ministry of Jesus, our Lord. The Lord not only shows great love and compassion to the needy, the afflicted, and the poor, but He also brings justice against the wicked and frustrates their evil plans. The Lord rules through might and right, and this extends through all generations. The Responsorial Psalm concludes with a happy declaration that the Lord God of Sion will reign forever. In the theme of the Gaudete Sunday, indeed we should rejoice in the Lord always. Praise be to the Lord. As Christians, we are called upon to carry on the Ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ, by helping others. Many a time, we find ourselves helpless in many situations, and in others, we fail to be of help to those in need. We all suffer want, one way or the other. Only our Lord Jesus Christ can effectively save us from all these. He is our savior. With full realization of our weakness, our anticipatory prayer will remain; Come Lord, and save us. AMEN.