2. Cycle C Third Sunday of Advent December 13, 2015 Music: Christmas Song Prophet Zephaniah

3. When the Prophet Zephaniah began to preach, for more than 60 years Jerusalem did not hear the voice of the prophets; the latter had been Isaiah, in the time of Kings Ahaz and Hezekiah. The son of Hezekiah, the King Manasseh, was perverse leading the people to idolatry. During the time in which his son, Josiah, was underage (was chosen at age 8) Zephaniah prepared the religious reform. After rebuking the people for idolatry (King Manasseh even burned his own son to the Ammonite God Milkom, 2Kgs 21: 3-8) Zephaniah promises salvation of Jerusalem, through the "small remnant» which has remained faithful to God (Zep 3). Photo: "Prophets" by John Singer 1895

4. REJOICE! («GAUDETE!») 1st Reading: «Shout for joy, city of Zion! Be glad and exult with all your heart», says the Prophet Zephaniah, promising the restoration. Isaiah 12 (Psalm): This Canticle of Isaiah invites us, also to cheer with joy to the great God who saves us. 2nd Reading:The Letter to the Philippians exhorts us, too, to live always happy, because the Lord is near. Gospel: In the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist announces the good news to the people, and asks to live in accordance with this joyful announcement: whoever has two dresses, give one to whoever does not have, and whoever has food, must also share it. A few well timely claims, also today.

5. Zep 3:14-18a Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed the judgment against you he has turned away your enemies; the King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst, you have no further misfortune to fear. On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Fear not, O Zion, be not discouraged! The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love, he will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals. Photo: Zephaniah preaching to simple people (French manuscript 16th century)

6. The text of Isaiah 12 is the end of the Book of Immanuel (Isaiah 7-12) giving thanks for the birth of the SON, God- with-us. Cheers, then, with joy, because the Holy One of Israel is great in his City. -Says: From the Lord comes the strength and triumph, since, although he is a Child, He has saved us. -And repeats: Singing of joy we will set out to find the water from the wells of salvation. -Ends by saying: Let us sing to the Lord, he has done glorious things, which everyone knows this, this small Child, has saved us. And we sang it already anticipating the grace of Christmas. Music (Montserrat) https://youtu.be/9bLYZpusLXIhttps://youtu.be/9bLYZpusLXI

7. Isaiah, the Prophet of this Psalm (Raphael) Psalm Is 12 Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the LORD, and he has been my savior. With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation.

8. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Give thanks to the LORD, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. Ahaz and his wife, with the small Hezekiah (Michelangelo)

9. Kings Josiah and Manasseh Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel. Sing praise to the LORD for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel!

10. Phil 4:4-7 Brothers and sisters: Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice! Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near. Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The scribe Shaphan teaches the scroll of the Law found in the Temple (time of Josiah)

11. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. Is 61:1 Steps up to the Temple, in times of Zephaniah

12. 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. Lk 3: 10-18 Wall of the time of the restoration, during the preaching of Zephaniah

13. «O God of hosts, restore us; light up your face and we shall be saved.» Psalm 80:8

14. Original: Joan Ramírez (+) Image enlargement, readings, music, comments (Catalan and Spanish version): Regina Goberna, in collaboration with Ángel Casas Translation to Basque:Periko Alkain Translation to Dutch:Ben Van Vossel Translation to English:Vivian Townsend Translation to French:Ángel Casas Translation to Italian:Ramon Julià Translation to Portuguese: Ze Manel Marquespereira Video: Esther Lozano Nuns of St. Benet de Montserrat www.monestirsantbenetmontserrat.com/regina www.monestirsantbenetmontserrat.com/regina