Shouts of Joy

Homily for Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Advent

The Scriptures that we proclaim today are all about exclamations or “shouts” of joy. Zephaniah, David, and Elizabeth overflow with words of joy in the Lord and of the Lord’s providential care for all of creation. As we draw near to the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord Jesus, the words of King David in Psalm 33 are revealed as prophetic; for David shouts that the plan of God for our salvation will stand for ever.

In several of the Psalms that King David wrote, we are called upon to sing a new song to the Lord. What is new about the song? It centers on an old idea, the creative power of God’s divine word. Israel was surrounded by nations who worshiped other gods, gods who were supposed to have been creators themselves. Egypt and Babylon both regarded their gods as powerful, creative, and responsible for the produce of the land. However, David’s invocation of a new song points to the new creation that God has manifested by choosing to become one of us. Today we are celebrating the fact that from the very first moments in which our universe was fashioned, God always intended to become one of us. This is the ultimate test of love. When God brought forth life, God intended for it that it never end. Despite the fact that death entered the world through sin, God’s intention was never defeated. The God who spoke “in the beginning” continues to use divine power to restore and re-create the people who trust in God’s holy name, who wait for the faithful, loving, Lord.

Our voices echo the cry of Zephaniah. We cry out in joy because God has ended the judgment that stood against us. We also echo the cry of Elizabeth who wonders how she has merited a visit from the Mother of God. And we echo the words of David, “For in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.” How blessed are we, the people upon whom God has lavished his love.