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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!

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!

kellym40 General

Changing Times

Yesterday the Supreme Court voted same-sex marriage legal across the country. From what I’ve heard, it appears there was thunderous applause and an outcry of support for the decision. However, there are still those that seem to think this was a bad decision and it undermines the Constitution.

You can read a story about it below.

Same-Sex Marriage Legal

I get why there are divided people in the country over the issue. But I really don’t see what the big problem is. And I think that’s the reason why there is such a divide. Many people are taking their own beliefs, what they have been taught and using it as ammunition to fuel a fire to create more of a problem than there should be.

Let’s face it. There are many kinds of people in this world from all walks of life. Many have differing beliefs and values from one another. I can’t believe that several hundred years have passed in this country and there is still bigotry and hatred for things, or people for that matter, that may be different than the “norm.” It really pains me to see people treated differently because of their religion, beliefs, or sexual preference. Whether their sexual preference is a choice or some chemical imbalance in their brain, it makes no difference to me. Because what I see is a person. A person who wants to live. A person who wants to be loved and to love. A person who wants to work and live life to the fullest and not be tormented or ridiculed for the clothes the person wears, or their beliefs or faith, or the color of his or her skin, or even the person’s sexual preference. Which, I would venture to guess, are basically the same things that pretty much every one else in the country wants.

Let’s look at it this way. The Constitution was written more than 200 years ago. This is no longer the 18th century. Let’s pick up our heads and move into the 21st century people. Let’s stop taking everything written in the U. S. Constitution at face value. Times have changed. Things have changed. Let Congress get their heads out of their asses and adapt the Constitution for the 21st century and beyond.

And that goes for EVERYONE in the U. S. If you don’t like something or someone because of his or her beliefs or sexual preference or whatever, then fine. Just keep your mouth shut and keep walking. Because that person has a right to live just as you do. We are all HUMANS. Let’s all live as civilized beings and maybe, just maybe, we can make ourselves and this country stronger.