Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

Amid the hustle and bustle of getting ready for the great Solemnity of Christmas, this weekend the Church asks us to pause and reflect on all we already have to rejoice about.

In the first reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah, (3:14-18a) we are called to “shout for joy, sing joyfully, be glad and exult!” Why did the ancient Israelites have cause to rejoice? Because “The Lord removed judgement against them, and the Lord, your God is in your midst, a mighty Savior!” Little did they understand that the Lord in their midst will one day become one of them and that the Lord Himself will “rejoice over you with gladness and renew you in His love; He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.”

We, who have faith, know that “the Lord is near” as St. Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians (4:4-7). Our response to the Lord’s nearness is to be kind to all that we meet. (And if there is one thing the world and the church need now more than ever it is kindness.) It is that simple; the Lord is Kindness and Mercy, and we are made in His image and likeness. When we are kind and merciful, then we are truly living as human beings.

Why then does it seem that being kind and merciful is so difficult? Perhaps the answer can be found in today’s Gospel according to Luke (3:10-18). John the Baptist, when questioned who he is, and why he is doing what he is doing, responds in all humility that he is not who people suppose he is. He is not the Christ, the Messiah. He says, “One mightier than I is coming; I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” It seems to me that being kind and merciful requires a degree of humility. John knows who he is and is not tempted to be anything but who he is, and to do what God is calling him to do.

On this Gaudete Sunday, let us rejoice that we are who we are. That weak, finite people who are prone to sin, have been called by God, just as we are to grow more and more into His likeness. Let us rejoice that God, rejoices in us.

– Fr. Steve

My Dear Friends,

The 2nd Sunday of Advent in Year C offers a reflection on the theme of preparation and repentance as we await the coming of the Lord. The readings for this Sunday emphasize the call to prepare the way for Christ, both externally and within our hearts.

1st Reading (Baruch 5:1-9): Baruch speaks of God bringing joy and restoration to His people. The imagery of God leveling the ground so His people may walk safely home is a powerful message of hope. It assures us that God is actively working to bring us closer to Him, removing barriers and leading us toward His kingdom.

2nd Reading (Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11): Paul encourages the Philippians, reminding them that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion.” This reading highlights the faithfulness of God and the importance of growing in love, knowledge, and discernment. It calls us to live lives that are pure and blameless, ready for the day of Christ.

Gospel (Luke 3:1-6): The Gospel introduces John the Baptist, who calls people to “prepare the way of the Lord” by repentance. His message echoes the prophecy of Isaiah: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” This imagery reflects the transformative work of God’s grace in our lives, removing obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him and making a straight path for His coming.

John’s proclamation is a reminder that Advent is a time not only of waiting but also of active preparation. It invites us to reflect on areas in our lives where we need spiritual renewal and to embrace God’s mercy.

And so let us reflect: Advent is not just a season of waiting but also one of hope-filled action. This Sunday challenges us to examine our lives:

• What mountains need to be made low? Are there obstacles such as pride, anger, or selfishness that prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love and sharing it with others?

• How are we preparing our hearts for Christ? Through repentance, prayer, and acts of love, we can respond to John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way for the Lord.

This week, we actively seek to align our lives with God’s will, allowing His grace to transform us as we journey closer to Christmas. May our preparation not only ready us for the celebration of Christ’s birth but also deepen our anticipation of His second coming.

– Fr. Zack

Saints of God, the Lord be with you!

With elections over, and the end of the liturgical year to be celebrated next weekend with the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, the readings this week seem to me to be quite apropos.

In the Gospel according to Mark (13:24-32), Jesus reminds His disciples of the truth that this world will be, and often is, filled with tribulation and change whether wanted or unwanted. But Jesus doesn’t leave them, nor us, without hope. “…they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.” I think that the great power and glory that Jesus will come with is forgiveness and love. For those who imitate Christ in their lives, this offers great hope and comfort. And we, Christ’s Elect, will be gathered “from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.”

The question then arises: what grounds our hope? Where can we find security when everything around us is in flux? Is hope merely wishful thinking? Again, the answer to these questions is found in the Gospel. The first piece of advice is to pay attention to what is happening in our lives and in our world. Instead of seeing just the awful or distressing, look for signs of Jesus’ already and always present, in our lives, our church, and our world. I’m fond of saying you find what you look for. I truly believe there is more grace than sin. But grace is often more subtle, and quiet. And if you can’t find any grace, be the grace you wish you could find.

Learn from the Eucharist. Though the bread is broken, it is in reality the Body and Blood of the Risen Christ. The Eucharist is our identity in this world, and our destiny. The destiny, not just of us but the cosmos “I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The former heaven and the former earth had passed away…” (Rev. 21:1)

Our hope is grounded in the truth that Jesus said to His disciples, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Christ, the Word of God made flesh, spoke the words of eternal life, and He and they are everlasting. Christ is the Truth, the Way, and the Life, given to us. And we who believe this, are called to become tender and bear fruit.

As the liturgical year comes to an end, let us reflect on our spiritual growth this past year. Has our faith given birth to the fruit of charity? If so how, and if not, why not?

– Fr. Steve