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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!

kellym40 faith

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!