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Today’s Word: 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 22, 2026

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7

Psalm 51: 3-6, 12-13, 17

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

This is the First Sunday of Lent. The readings today focus on the origins of sin and the ultimate victory over it through Christ. This reflection explores the contrast between the first Adam’s fall and the second Adam’s triumph. Herein we use typology to compare the first man, Adam, with Jesus Christ the savior.

In Genesis today, we see the beginning of the human struggle. The serpent’s temptation isn’t just about fruit; it’s an invitation to be like gods – to be more than just human –  by deciding for ourselves what is good and evil. Adam and Eve weren’t lacking anything in the garden, yet they were convinced by the serpent they were missing out on divinity, something more. So as a consequence, instead of reaching godhood, they became aware of their own nakedness and shame, experiencing immediate alienation from God and each other. The serpent knew what he was doing in tempting Adam and Eve. Thus, came The Fall. Man is separated from God. We are born with Original Sin from Adam and Eve, which is washed away at our Baptism.

I will move on with the Gospel today. The passage from Matthew today shows Jesus, the new Adam, entering the desert to prepare for his ministry and face temptations. Unlike the first humans, Jesus relies entirely on the Word of God. Jesus is tempted three times before the tempter, the devil, flees from him. Jesus spends forty days and nights in the wilderness to fast and pray. The devil tempts Jesus by challenging him between his physical needs and spiritual life. The devil tells Jesus to make stones into bread to feed his hunger. Jesus replies simply by saying men do not live on bread alone, but by the Word of God. When the devil tempts Jesus a second time, it is between humble trust and testing with demands. Jesus tells the devil that it is not good to put God to the test, but hold on and trust God. When the devil tempts Jesus a third time, he does so by offering Jesus worldly power in exchange for worshiping the evil one. Jesus, of course, chooses loyalty to God the Father and serves the Father. Jesus rejects the devil’s temptation for worldly dominion and power because he knows true power lies in serving the Father alone.

The Second Reading today seems to bridge these two stories. St. Paul explains that while one man’s disobedience brought death, one man’s obedience – Jesus Christ – brings justification and life for all. This season is not about our own willpower to better ourselves. It is about acknowledging our pride, sinful nature, and self-reliance and turning toward the grace of Christ to be made righteous.

As we continue this Lenten journey on this First Sunday of Lent and beyond, the Responsorial Psalm today should become our prayer. In it, we are recognizing our sins and asking for mercy and forgiveness. We are invited to enter our own desert to quietly fast and pray in order to identify the areas where we have tried to be our own gods and to return to the joy of God’s salvation.

I will leave you with this verse today: “O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” (Psalm 63:1ab, 4 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 15, 2026

Sirach 15:15-20

Psalm 119:1-2, 4-5, 17-18, 33-34

1 Corinthians 2:6-10

Matthew 5:17-37

It appears in the readings, for this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, challenge us to move beyond a “checklist” faith and toward a radical transformation of the heart.

The First Reading reminds us that God has placed before us choices. It emphasizes the gift of free will, stating that “whichever he chooses will be given to him.” (Sirach 15:17, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This isn’t just about avoiding major sins, but about actively choosing to trust God’s wisdom over the world’s shortcuts, because “The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, and he knows every deed of man.” (Sirach 15:19, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

I will touch on the Psalm for this week. It is like another song of praise asking God to be present and asking God to help understand and retain God’s word and commandments. We must continue to be diligent in our faith and understanding of scripture to fully go out and live that virtuous life, and to joyfully spread the good news of the Gospel.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul speaks of a “hidden wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 2:7, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition) that the rulers of this world cannot grasp. This wisdom is revealed through the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit “searches  everything, even the depths of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). It invites us to prepare for the wonders “God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

In the Gospel today, continuing from the beatitudes to last week’s passage about being the salt and light of the earth, Jesus declares he has not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfil it. He says this in the first verse of the passage. He appears to be raising the bar. Jesus says it’s not enough to not kill; but Jesus warns that even harboring anger or calling someone a “fool” makes us liable to judgment. (Matthew 5:22, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

He then moves the boundary of adultery from physical acts to the intentions of the heart. Jesus says, “But I say to you that every one who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition).

He then speaks on oaths and holding on to integrity, instead of needing complex vows, like swearing to heaven or things of this earth, to prove truthfulness, Jesus tells us to let our “Yes” mean “Yes” and our “No” mean “No.” (Matthew 5:33-37, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). We need to simply be truthful and honest towards one another without having to go to extremes to prove ourselves to others.

So, as we approach this Lenten season, these readings, I think, serve as a call to live differently. Try to monitor your internal life as closely as your external actions. Notice where a small anger or a subtle deception might be distancing you from God’s hidden wisdom.

I will leave you with this thought for today. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 8, 2026

Isaiah 58:7-10

Psalm 112:4-9

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Matthew 5:13-16

As we move into the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A) of this liturgical year, we have readings today that seem to center on the transformative power of a lived faith. The scriptures today, especially the Gospel, talk about the light within us. That we are a light for all. The scriptures move us from abstract belief to visible action, challenging us to be a presence that can change the world. Or at least be a change for someone, who could go on and change someone else – and that someone changing someone, and so on and so on, which effectively, changes the world.

In the First Reading today, we hear from the Prophet Isaiah, who declares true worship is found in acts of mercy. Only then does our “light break forth like the dawn.” (Isaiah 58:8, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). The little acts of mercy and kindness that we all can do, true goodness and virtue is found. Isaiah writes, “to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Those are things we can do to transform people, transform the world. Isaiah continues and says to help feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, and clothe the naked. These are all kind acts we can follow. They also reflect a truth from the Beatitudes, which was the reading from Matthew last week.

Before the Second Reading, the Psalm carries this theme of light. In Verse 4, the Psalmist says, “Light rises in the darkness for the upright,” (Isaiah 58:4, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). For one who does good and shines for others has “distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever,” (Isaiah 58:9, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition).

St. Paul humbles himself, reminding us that faith does not rest on human wisdom or big words, but on the “power of God”  and the reality of Christ crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:5, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). True enlightenment comes from God and of the Holy Spirit. Humble yourself in His Glory and become a light for all to see.

The Gospel today continues from Matthew. As I mentioned, last week Jesus spoke to his disciples about the Beatitudes. These are simple actions you can take to conduct yourself in a blessed way for others, allowing yourself to be virtuous. Jesus tells his disciples directly, “You are the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13, 14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). He warns against salt losing its flavor and light being hidden. Jesus tells his disciples to not let their light fade or hide. Always be present so that people are able to see and continue what you have shown, as it is written, “Let your light so shine before men, that hey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16. The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). Give of yourselves to be the light to the world.

The following is from Father John Muir, a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Phoenix. He writes, “We know that giving bold witness to Jesus – through our words, values, or public choices – can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging. … A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven.”

So let’s strengthen our confidence. Let’s strive to be that city on a hill, to be that beacon of light for the world to see. It may be easier said than done, but it is something we should all strive for. God Bless!

I will leave you with this verse: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition).

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Today’s Word: 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time – February 1, 2026

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13

Psalm 146: 6-10

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Greetings! I have had a long hiatus. But I’m pleased to be back. I am hoping to continue this blog a little more regularly again. I apologize for my absence. I am here to talk about and reflect on the readings for this Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time. The Advent and Christmas Season began a new liturgical year in the Catholic Church. So now we are in the Fourth Sunday back in Ordinary Time. If you remember, there are three cycles for the readings in the Catholic Church. We are now in Cycle A, so we will be reading mostly from Matthew’s Gospel. Additionally, today’s Gospel reading is one of my favorites from Matthew. It is where Jesus delivers his sermon about the Beatitudes during his Sermon on the Mount. 

As always, I am using The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition.

The readings today center on the theme of humility and that is what I will focus on today. In the First Reading, the prophet Zephaniah calls the people to “Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land,” (Zephaniah 2:3, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). As I have mentioned before, it is good to praise God. One must do that with humility. Those that do,  God promises to leave a remnant to a “people humble and lowly,” (Zephaniah 3:12, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition), and will find refuge in His name.

The Psalm today reflects the idea to give glory and praise to God for the wonderful deeds he has done. God gave sight to the blind, food to the hungry, and looked out for the lowly and needy, among other great things. Therefore, as always, praise God.

St. Paul, in the Second Reading, observes that God purposefully chooses the foolish, weak, and lowly of the world to shame the wise and strong, ensuring that no one may boast except in the Lord. He writes, “God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing to things that are, so that no flesh might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:28-29, The Great Adventure Bible, Revised Standard Version, 2nd Catholic Edition). This reinforces the idea that God is all-powerful, all-good and deserving of our love and praise. No one, or nothing, should take the place of God, so being humble and accepting God’s will is a just thing to do. We are all children of God. Let us be like good sons and daughters to him.

In the Gospel today, Matthew gives us the Beatitudes as delivered by Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. As I mentioned, this is one of my favorite passages from the bible. As we are active partakers of the faith, or at least we should be, we receive the grace of God through our faith and works. Doing good works keeps us active in the faith and therefore keeps faith alive. By doing so, we produce good fruit from the Holy Spirit. In this manner, I believe, living out and acting on the Beatitudes is a great way to live the faith. In this way, we truly can receive God’s love, not that we don’t already have it, but through the Beatitudes we may feel undeservedly blessed.

Let us keep the faith. Let us grow more in faith by living a life through works that fully express our faith. In the world now, we need Peacemakers. Being a Peacemaker requires standing for human dignity and refusing to dehumanize others. This radical selflessness is what turns our lives into something for the glory of God.

I will leave you with this scripture. Everyone have a blessed day!

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: Epiphany of the Lord – January 4, 2026

Isaiah 60:1-6

Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13

Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6

Matthew 2:1-12

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. The Sunday readings today center on the theme of “manifestation.” Today we celebrate the revealing of Christ to the entire world. The word epiphany means “to manifest.” This day recognizes the three times Jesus made himself known to the world. The first time was of course when the Magi visited Jesus upon his birth. The second time was through Jesus’ baptism, and the final time was his miracle at Cana.

Before going further, I would like to take a moment and offer a prayer for today:

Lord God, on this day of Epiphany, we rejoice in the revelation of your glory to the world. As the Magi once followed the star to find the newborn King, guide us on our journey of faith. May we, like the Wise Men, bring our gifts of adoration, humility, and love to the feet of the Savior. Amen.

Worship requires sacrifice. We can sacrifice in many ways – through prayer, giving something up, doing something more of, offering gifts, helping others and so on. It is taking something that we may not necessarily do every day or something that we may not do at all. The point is that we give of ourselves in some way. We “sacrifice” a part of ourselves, or a part of our day or week, to do something of value. In the same way the Magi brought gifts for the baby Jesus. The Magi offered gold, as a sign of Christ as King; frankincense, as the sign of Christ the priest; and myrrh, the sign of Christ as prophet.

The First Reading today is a prophetic call for Jerusalem to “rise up in splendor” because its light has come (Jesus). It describes nations and kings gathering from afar, bringing gold and frankincense to proclaim the praises of the Lord. In the Second Reading for St. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains the mystery revealed to him; that through the Gospel, the Gentiles now belong to the same body, partaking in the same promise in Christ Jesus. The Gospel offers the account of the Magi following a star to Bethlehem. Upon finding the child with Mary, they prostrate themselves in worship and offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

I believe we can learn some things from today’s readings. It seems they reflect the idea of seeking truth and light. In the First Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we read that the land will be in darkness, and then the glory of the Lord will rise and “nations shall walk by your light and kings in the brightness of your rising.” (Isaiah 60:3, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This foretells the coming of the light – Jesus.

As previously mentioned, St. Paul writes a letter of inclusivity. We have learned that Emmanuel means “God with us,” and that Emmanuel is Jesus, then we know that God is indeed with us. Therefore, Paul’s message to the Ephesians reinforces that God’s grace is very inclusive, breaking down old barriers to invite all of humanity into one body. “God is with us.” He’s just not with this group of people or that group of people. God is with all people, and Gentiles are “fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel.” (Ephesians 3:6, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The Gospel of Matthew shows King Herod reacting in dread and fear of a new king. He felt this was a threat to his own power. In contrast, the Magi were very willing to seek the truth. Their journey through uncertainty serves as a model for our own spiritual persistence. Additionally, just as the star guided the Magi, we are called to shine through acts of care, concern, and love, guiding others through the darkness of difficult and troubled times.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” (Psalm 63:1ab, 4 – The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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Today’s Word: Feast of the Holy Family – December 28, 2025

Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14

Psalms 128:1-5

Colossians 2:12-21

Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23

Christmas has come and passed. However, this is still the Christmas season within the Church. Today marks the Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This day serves as a profound meditation on how God chose to enter human history through the ordinary, often messy, and vulnerable structure of a family.

The readings today reflect on the holiness in the ordinary. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were the holy family, not in the sense of being “perfect” but they used trust over control and relied on presence over perfection.

The Gospel reading today is from Matthew and depicts the Holy Family sort of as refugees. Following a dream, Joseph immediately flees to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod’s violence, illustrating that holiness is found in obedience and protection of the vulnerable. Joseph is portrayed here as a model of quiet, unwavering trust. He does not demand a detailed plan; he simply responds to God’s immediate call to protect his family, even when it means displacement and uncertainty. 

This feast today invites all families – including those that are broken, blended, or struggling – to reflect on the Holy Family in order to see themselves in the Holy Family’s story. God chose to dwell in a family that faced poverty, political violence, and exile, reminding us that He is present in our own struggles today.

This idea of a close, holy family is reflected in the other readings for today. The First Reading from Sirach highlights the sacred duty of children to honor their parents. It specifically calls for patience and kindness toward parents in their old age. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Colossians to put ourselves in compassion, humility, gentleness, and love, which binds everything in perfect harmony within the family.

As we close the final Sunday of 2025, we are invited to ask: Is God at the center of my home? Holiness is not found by escaping our family life, but by entering more deeply into it with the same love and obedience shown by Mary and Joseph.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“The Lord bless you and keep you! The Lord let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you! The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace!” (Numbers 6:24-26, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

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Today’s Word: Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21, 2025

Isaiah 7:10-14

Psalms 24:1-6

Romans 1:1-7

Matthew 1:18-24

We are now on the fourth Sunday of Advent. These are the final days before Christmas. The readings today reflect on the quiet, internal “yes” of those who made the Incarnation possible. As a reminder, this fourth Sunday of Advent also brings peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called the “‘Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus came into the world to bring peace. This peace is the knowledge that we, as believers, have in the Lord that he is the Savior and Redeemer.

As we go through today and begin our week leading up to Christmas and reflect on the peace that Jesus gives, we are reminded to look at the “yes” spoken by those few who helped bring forth that peace into the world.

In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah confronts King Ahaz, who refuses to trust God during a national crisis. In response to this lack of faith, God offers a sign, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign, the birth of a child named Emmanuel, meaning “God is with us. ”Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanu-el.” (Isaiah 7:14, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

This reading reminds us that God often works through the humble and vulnerable to overcome the haughty. Even when we, like Ahaz, try to rely on our own “allies” or schemes, God remains committed to being present with us.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul introduces himself as a servant set apart for the Gospel, which was promised long ago through the prophets. He highlights that Jesus is both a descendant of David “according to the flesh” (Romans 1:3, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition) and the Son of God “in power according to the Spirit,” (Romans 1: 4, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). 

This passage bridges the gap between ancient prophecy and our present reality. We have received “grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations,” (Romans 1:5, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition), and are “called to belong to Jesus Christ,” (Romans 1:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition) not just as a far-off hope, but as a living testament of peace to ourselves and to the world.

As previously mentioned, this new year in the Church marks a new cycle of readings. Previously, the Church was in Cycle C. This year we have Cycle A. Most of the Sunday Gospel readings will be from Matthew. And while other years focus on Mary’s Visitation, the Gospel today focuses on St. Joseph. Faced with a bewildering situation – Mary’s pregnancy – Joseph chooses mercy over public shame. However, when an angel explains God’s plan to Joseph in a dream, he wakes up and immediately does as commanded.

Joseph’s holiness is found in his quiet obedience. He was willing to surrender his reputation and plans to collaborate with a mystery he didn’t fully understand. Like Joseph, we are invited to separate from anything that blocks our union with God.

So, as you light the final candle on your Advent wreath – often called the Angel Candle, representing Peace – consider the following points: God chooses closeness over distance and vulnerability over power, He is with us – Emmanuel. Like Joseph, we are called to trust in the dark, to trust God’s voice even in moments of deep confusion or fear. And remember, real preparation for Christmas isn’t about perfect decorations; it’s about offering our own lives, our selves, for God’s will.

So, I will leave you with this scripture,“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18 – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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Today’s Word: Third Sunday of Advent – December 14, 2025

Isaiah 35:1-6, 10

Psalms 146:6-10

James 5:7-10

Matthew 11:2-11

The readings for this third Sunday of Advent, focus on the themes of joy, patience, and also the definitive proof of God’s saving power through Christ’s works. The readings invite reflection on joy and the signs of the coming Kingdom of God in our midst. This Sunday is also known as Gaudete (having joy or being joyous) Sunday. The Lord Jesus is near. It is a time to be joyful.

Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally a moment to pause and rejoice, as it says in Phillippians, “Rejoice in the Lord always;” (Philippians 4:4, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This third Sunday is marked by the lighting of the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath. This burst of joy is rooted in the certainty that the Lord’s coming is near.

The prophet Isaiah, in the First Reading, paints a vibrant picture of restoration: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer;” (Isaiah 35:5-6, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This is God’s coming, a time of everlasting joy.  Psalm 146 echoes this, praising a God who secures justice, and does good for the people. The Lord is “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. … All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you!” (Psalms 146:8, 10, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). These readings remind us that our faith is not just about abstract beliefs but about a tangible reality of healing and justice that God brings into the world.

The Letter of James encourages patient waiting for the Lord’s coming, comparing it to a farmer’s patient expectation of the harvest. (James 5:7, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This is an active patience. James tells the people to not complain, or “grumble … against one another, that you may not be judged;” (James 5:8, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition) because the “judge is standing at the doors.” (James 5:9, The Great Adventure Bible – Revised Standard Version – 2nd Catholic Edition). This calls for strengthening our hearts and living out faith through actions of justice and kindness while awaiting God’s full plan.

In the Gospel reading from Matthew today, John the Baptist questions Jesus from prison, asking if he is the Messiah. John, who had previously recognized Jesus, may have expected a more revolutionary figure than the one performing quiet acts of mercy. Jesus tries to keep his works a secret to not conflict with Herod Antipas, until Jesus finishes his ministry on earth. Jesus responds to the questions simply by pointing to his works, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy through healing and proclaiming good news to the poor. This highlights that faith can involve questioning and that God’s methods may differ from human expectations.

The Gaudete Sunday readings encourage a shift from anxiety to joy, reminding us that signs of God’s kingdom are already evident in acts of compassion and healing. As we anticipate Christ’s full return, we are called to be both joyful and patient, actively living lives of love and justice that reflect God’s power of restoration.

So, I will leave you with this scripture, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

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Today’s Word: Second Sunday of Advent – December 7, 2025

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Romans 15:4-9

Matthew 3:1-12

Today begins the second week of Advent, a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. This week deals with the theme of peace. 

Dear Jesus, you entered our world on Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, as we strive to become the best versions of ourselves, fill us with a deep and abiding peace. Help us share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. Amen

The readings today also reflect on repentance and the continued preparation for the coming of the Lord Jesus. In the Gospel today, John the Baptist is baptising in the Jordan River. He tells everyone to repent and be baptised and to “make his paths straight,” (Matthew 3:3, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). The Gospel of Matthew quotes from the Book of Isaiah here to remind people to prepare the way and make sure he has a clear path to come into the world and into our lives.  John challenges people to produce “fruit that befits repentance,” (Matthew 3:8, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This emphasizes outward actions and ancestry are insufficient; but genuine internal transformation (metanoia) is required. His call pushes us to actively remove the obstacles – sins and distractions – that prevent us from fully welcoming Christ into our lives.

The readings work together to paint a picture of the promised Messiah and the urgent need for a change of heart to receive Him. In the First Reading, the prophet Isaiah shares a vision of a future kingdom marked by extraordinary peace and justice, where even natural enemies coexist as it is noted in the text. This peace comes not from human effort alone, but from a descendant of Jesse (King David’s father) upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests. It assures us that God can bring forth new life and hope.

St. Paul writes of a message of hope and unity in his letter to the Romans. He reminds us that the Scriptures were written “for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). He calls for unity and mutual acceptance among believers (both Jews and Gentiles) to glorify God with one voice. The encouragement here is that God, who started a good work in us, is faithful and will bring it to completion. 

The reflections for this week urge a shift in focus from the external chaos of the world to an internal preparation of the heart. This week, consider that true peace is found in Christ, not in the absence of worldly chaos. John the Baptist’s message is a call to examine our lives and identify areas where we need to ensure our paths are straight and clear. One can accomplish this by seeking reconciliation, forgiveness, and turning away from poor choices. The readings also call us to be active partners with God in bringing about His kingdom. This means working for justice, helping the poor and needy, and proclaiming peace through our actions and advocacy in the world. 

So, in this second week of Advent, let us continue to prepare the way, and ourselves, so that we can truly experience the coming of Jesus at Christmas and continue to build God’s Kingdom.

So, as I will leave you with this scripture, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!

kellym40 faith

Today’s Word: First Sunday of Advent – November 30, 2025

Isaiah 2:1-5

Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Romans 13:11-14

Matthew 24:37-44

Today marks the First Sunday of Advent and is the beginning of a new liturgical year (Year A) in the Catholic Church. It focuses on the theme of hope and the call to stay awake and be prepared for the coming of the Lord. The readings encourage us to reflect on actively waiting for Christ’s arrival at Christmas. And not only that, but we also anticipate his promised return in glory. 

As mentioned, Advent is a time of preparation. It is the preparation of our minds and hearts to fully accept the Lord Jesus Christ at Christmas. Advent is an invitation to introspection and spiritual renewal. It encourages setting aside time for quiet and prayer, turning away from distractions, and seeking reconciliation with God and with others. Each week of the Advent season does represent something. Beginning with the first week is the theme of hope. It is followed by faith in the second week, joy in the third and finally peace in the fourth week.

This first week of Advent focuses on the theme of hope. It is symbolized by the first candle lit on the Advent Wreath. John’s Gospel says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that they might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This is the hope we have in Jesus’ coming, that we are saved through him. The vision of Isaiah in the First Reading, offers hope amidst current global crises and personal anxieties. The reading speaks of a future time when all nations will walk in God’s light, and weapons of war will be transformed into tools for peace. 

In the second week, the focus turns to faith. It is when the second candle is lit, which reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, where Jesus would be born, as it is noted in Luke’s Gospel and in Chapter Five in the Book of Micah, which says, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” (Micah 5:2, , The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition).

The third Sunday of Advent presents the theme of joy. The Prophet Isaiah says, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” and the people “rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest.” (Isaiah 9:2-3, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). The third candle is lit, usually a rose-colored candle and puts the light of joy in our hearts that our Lord Jesus is near.

Lastly, the fourth Sunday of Advent brings peace. In Isaiah, Jesus is called the “‘Prince of Peace.’” (Isaiah 9:6, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Jesus came into the world to bring peace. This peace is the knowledge that we, as believers, have in the Lord that he is the Savior and Redeemer.

As a reminder, preparing for Jesus at Christmas can be difficult and challenging. Just as Jesus warns his disciples in the Gospel reading of Matthew to “stay awake” and “be prepared,” he is telling us to be diligent and be aware for his coming. Jesus does emphasize that the exact time of his return is unknown. So, therefore, the reflection here is on spiritual readiness, urging us to look beyond the superficial hustle and bustle of the holiday season and examine the state of our hearts to be prepared.

The First Sunday of Advent is a reminder that salvation is near and that we are called to be vigilant and active in our faith, ensuring our hearts and lives are prepared to welcome Christ whenever he comes. Therefore, Jesus has an urgent call to action for us. He does not want to passively sit by and wait. St. Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light,” (Romans 13:12, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). Paul further says in his letter to live honorably as children of light by putting on “the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:14, The Great Adventure Bible, RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition). This means actively working for justice and peace, embodying God’s love, and making the prophetic vision a lived experience in the here and now, rather than speculating on end times.

So, as I will leave you with this scripture, “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, The Great Adventure Bible – RSV – 2nd Catholic Edition)

Stay strong with your faith and try to persevere through all hardships. And always…ALWAYS…give thanks to God!