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Storing Up Treasures in Heaven In this Homily, Jesus calls His disciples to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth. The Homily explains that during biblical times people commonly measured wealth through fine clothing, gold and silver, abundant harvests, honor, and power. Yet all these earthly treasures are temporary. Clothes wear out, food decays, wealth can be stolen, and worldly achievements eventually pass away. Through examples such as the rich man and Lazarus and the parable of the rich fool, Jesus reminds His followers that material possessions cannot provide lasting security or eternal life. The Homily emphasizes that the true treasure of heaven is Jesus Christ Himself. Quoting Saint Louis de Montfort . . . “To have Jesus is to have everything” . . . and Saint Augustine's teaching to love God above all things and love everything else for God's sake, the Homily invites us to examine our priorities. What Occupies Our First Thoughts What occupies our first thoughts in the morning and our final thoughts at night? God asks not only for our love, but for our supreme love. When God becomes the highest good in our lives, all other gifts . . . family, friendships, work, talents, and possessions . . . find their proper place. The challenge of Christian discipleship is to make God our greatest treasure so that our hearts remain fixed on Him. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Painting: Sermon on the Mount: Carl Bloch (1834 -1890) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:19-23 First Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 -------------------------------------------------------------------- Why this Image Was Selected: This painting portrays Christ teaching the very principles that form the foundation of the Homily. It captures Jesus instructing His followers about heavenly values, spiritual priorities, and the eternal kingdom.
Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:24-39
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, June 21st - 1st Reading: Jeremiah 20:10-13 - 2nd Reading: Romans 5:12-15 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 10:26-33 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, June 22st - 1st Reading: 2 Kings 17:5-8, 13-15a, 18 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 7:1-5 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, June 19th - 1st Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-4, 9-18, 20 - 2nd Reading: Romans 5:6-11 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:19-23 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Thursday, June 18th - 1st Reading: Sirach 48:1-14- Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:7-15 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, June 16th - 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:17-29 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:43-48 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:35 -- 10:8
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, June 15th - 1st Reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:38-42 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, June 14th - 1st Reading: Exodus 19:2-6a - 2nd Reading: Romans 5:6-11 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:36—10:8 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Thursday, June 11th - 1st Reading: Acts 11:21b-26; 13:1-3 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:20-26 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, June 12th - 1st Reading: Deuteronomy 7:6-11 - 2nd Reading: 1 John 4:7-16 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:25-30 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, June 9th - 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, June 8th - 1st Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-6- Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26
Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:9-13
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Homily from the Mass offered Monday, April 5th - 1st Reading: Acts 2:14, 22-33 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:8-15 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:1-10
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:1-10.
While most of us have never seen someone come back to life, most of us also have never seen an orbital sunrise. But because of the pictures drawn with colored pencils and the stories handed down to us, we get to participate in a reality where things can be new every morning.Gospel Reading - Matthew 28:1-18Worship Songs - Lord, I Need You - Christ is Risen - Living HopeTeaching Song - New Every Morning (Porter's Gate)
Not Indifference, But Decision: Choosing Christ Today's Homily marks the beginning of Holy Week, . . . . . . emphasizing how the practices of Lent . . . prayer, fasting, and almsgiving . . . prepare us for this sacred time. Drawing from the Gospel of Matthew, the Homily highlights unique details: Judas's remorse and despair, Pilate's wife's warning, and Pilate's ultimate indifference. These moments underscore a central call . . . not to remain indifferent, but to choose Christ. Matthew's Gospel repeatedly affirms that Jesus fulfills the prophecies, revealing Him as the long-awaited Savior. The liturgical act of kneeling during the Passion reading invites deeper reflection on the meaning of Christ's death. The imagery of darkness at Christ's death connects to creation in Genesis . . . “let there be light” . . . signifying that Jesus' sacrifice brings new life and spiritual renewal. The tearing of the temple veil symbolizes the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. Ultimately, Holy Week is not just something to observe externally, but something to internalize. We are called to let it transform us . . . to recognize, like the centurion, that “truly this was the Son of God,” and to grow in faith, trust, and love. Listen more to Not Indifference, But Decision: Choosing Christ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work What is Truth?: Russan Painter: Nikolai Nikolaevich Ge: 1890 This painting highlights the tension between Christ and Pilate, perfectly embodying the theme of indifference versus moral choice. Pilate's internal struggle mirrors the homily's call to actively choose Jesus. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14—27:66 First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 Note: The Gospel reading is not included within the audio. Only the Homily.
Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, March 31st-1st Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14—27:66 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 27:11-26
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16
Homily from the Mass offered Sunday, March 29th-1st Reading: Isaiah 50:4-7 - 2nd Reading: Philippians 2:6-11 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 26:14—27:66 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Thursday, March 19th -1st Reading: 2 Samuel 7:4-5a, 12-14a, 16 - 2nd Reading: Romans 4:13, 16-18, 22 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Tuesday, March 10th - 1st Reading: Daniel 3:25, 34-43 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, March 6th -1st Reading: Genesis 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a - Gospel Reading: Matthew 21:33-43, 45-46 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:1-11
Homily from the Mass offered Friday, February 20th -1st Reading: Isaiah 58:1-9a - Gospel Reading: Matthew 9:14-15 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Today, we welcome Rev. Steve Falci of Christ Episcopal Church, who leads one of our sister congregations in Portsmouth.
Homily from the Mass offered on Ash Wednesday, February 18th -1st Reading:Joel 2:12-18 - 2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, February 15th -1st Reading:Sirach 15:15-20 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-10 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:17-37 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 17:1-9
Epistle Reading: St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians 8:8-13; 9:1-2Brethren, food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. Only take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if any one sees you, a man of knowledge, at table in an idol's temple, might he not be encouraged, if his conscience is weak, to eat food offered to idols? And so by your knowledge this weak man is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died. Thus, sinning against your brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food is a cause of my brother's falling, I will never eat meat, lest I cause my brother to fall.Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, February 8th -1st Reading: Isaiah 58:7-10 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, February 1st -1st Reading: Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13 - 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:1-12a - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23 This morning, we are joined by Rev. Mark Lingle, Associate to the Bishop, for our Sermon.
Where Christ Is, There Is Our Home Where Christ Is, . . . Today's Homily on the Feast of the Epiphany explores the manifestation of Christ . . . . . . not only to Israel, but to all nations. Through the journey of the Magi, the Homily reveals God's universal plan of salvation and the deeply personal invitation each person receives to seek, meet, and honor Christ. The Magi's response to the star becomes a spiritual model: they step outside the ordinary, look up, and allow themselves to be guided by a light beyond themselves. Seeing the star is not enough . . . they move toward Christ, recognizing that His coming is for them. Their journey reflects the innate human longing for God, a desire placed in every heart that, when followed, leads closer to Christ. . . . There Is Our Home The gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize enduring spiritual virtues . . . charity, prayer, and self-denial . . . virtues acquired along the journey rather than possessed at the outset. In contrast, Herod and Jerusalem represent resistance to grace: agitation without movement, power without surrender. Ultimately, the Epiphany is not merely an ancient story but the ongoing rhythm of Christian life. Like the Magi, believers are drawn week after week to Christ's presence, where He not only receives their offerings but gives Himself in return, gathering not just some, but all, into His saving light. Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to: Where Christ Is, There Is Our Home -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Adoration of the Magi: Flemish Artist and Painter: Peter Paul Rubens: 1609 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: Rubens' dynamic composition draws all attention toward Christ at the center. Earthly power fades into the background, underscoring the homily's teaching that the true Jerusalem is not a place, but a Person . . . Jesus Christ. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12 First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 Second Reading: Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 42:1-9 Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17
Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us Today's Homily centers on the profound pairing of Christmas Day and the Feast of St. Stephen, . . . . . . highlighting the mystery of Christ's Incarnation alongside the Church's first martyr. Christ humbles Himself, laying aside heavenly glory to enter human fragility, while Stephen, in turn, lays aside earthly life to be clothed in heavenly glory. This contrast reveals a single pattern: humble self-giving leads to exaltation. Stephen's Martyrdom Stephen's martyrdom mirrors Christ's own Passion . . . not only in rejection and death outside the city, but most strikingly in his prayer of forgiveness for his persecutors. His final words reveal the true mark of life in the Holy Spirit: not power or eloquence, but radical love and trust. The Gospel's warning about persecution is fulfilled in Stephen, who does not rely on rehearsed words or self-control, but allows the Spirit to speak through him. The Homily emphasizes that martyrdom is not primarily suffering or death, but testimony . . . a witness forged through ordinary, daily faithfulness. Saints are not made by extraordinary moments alone, but by perseverance in fidelity. In Stephen, the Church sees not only the first martyr, but the pattern for all believers: faithfulness today prepares us for whatever witness tomorrow may demand. Listen more to Born in Time, Born into Glory . . . A Christmas Lesson For All of Us -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Quote from the Homily This is Jesus Christ, In his Incarnation, He leaves heavenly glory and veils the light of His being in fragile human flesh. And on this day, Stephen, the martyr, rudely stoned, and put to death, lays aside the fragility of his body that he might be vested and robed in the glory of the victorious realm . . . -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Martyrdom of St Stephen: Italian Painter: Annibale Carracci: 1603 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: Carracci's painting shows Stephen at the moment of violent death, yet spiritually lifted beyond it. The painting embodies the Homily 's central contrast: Christ born into time, Stephen born into eternity . . . two “birthdays” revealing the same divine victory. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 10: 17-22 First Reading: Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-59
Notes Matthew 2:13-23 Isaiah 63:7-9 Hebrews 2:10-18 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Christmas, focusing on Matthew 2:13-23, the flight to Egypt, and the implications of Herod's tyranny. They explore themes of hospitality, the significance of the Old Testament connections, and the faithfulness of God as highlighted in Isaiah 63. The conversation also delves into the humanity of Christ as presented in Hebrews 2, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the incarnation in today's context. Takeaways The podcast discusses the lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Christmas. Attendance challenges during the holiday season are common for many churches. The flight to Egypt is a significant and often overlooked part of the Christmas story. Herod's actions reflect the tyranny and fear of oppressive regimes. The theme of hospitality is crucial in the context of the Holy Family's journey. Connections between the Old Testament and New Testament are explored. Isaiah 63 highlights God's faithfulness amidst human struggles. Hebrews 2 emphasizes the humanity of Christ and his understanding of human suffering. The ongoing relevance of the incarnation is discussed in relation to modern issues. The podcast encourages reflection on the themes of hope and redemption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:47 Reflections on Christmas and Attendance Challenges 06:00 Exploring the Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:13-23 12:09 The Significance of the Flight to Egypt 18:01 Herod's Tyranny and the Theme of Refugees 23:50 The Role of Hospitality in the Holy Family's Journey 30:11 Connecting the Old Testament and New Testament Themes 35:46 Isaiah 63: God's Faithfulness Amidst Human Struggles 42:03 Understanding Hebrews 2: The Humanity of Christ 47:50 The Ongoing Relevance of the Incarnation 54:09 Conclusion and Reflections on the Podcast
The Sign Humanity Could Not Ask For Today's Homily unpacks the Gospel's declaration . . . . . . that Christ's birth fulfills ancient prophecy, urging believers to move beyond a narrow, sentimental view of the Nativity into its vast theological depth. Isaiah's prophecy to King Ahaz reveals humanity's reluctance to hope when confronted with God's generosity: though invited to ask for a sign, the faithless king refuses. God responds by giving the sign anyway . . . one beyond human imagination . . . the Virgin conceiving Emmanuel, “God with us.” This Promise Fulfilled St. Matthew presents this promise fulfilled not in royal splendor, but in the humble home of Joseph, a carpenter of David's line. Faced with shattered expectations and personal disappointment, Joseph chooses mercy over judgment, becoming a living sign of God's way. By welcoming Mary and the child, Joseph receives the divine sign that kings once rejected and becomes the first guardian of salvation's mystery. The meditation concludes by placing us within the drama of Advent: God still asks the same question . . . What do you hope for? The challenge is not merely to believe, but to hope boldly, trusting that God is present and invites us to ask for great things. What does that really mean and what is God really asking? What do you hope for? Listen more to The Sign Humanity Could Not Ask For ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Holy Family: Spanish Painter: Bartolomé Esteban Murillo: 1661 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 1: 18-25 First Reading: Jeremiah 23: 5-8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this image selected: Murillo's intimate depiction of the Holy Family emphasizes domestic humility rather than grandeur. It visually reflects the Homily's insight that the throne of David has become a carpenter's house . . . and that this humble dwelling is where God chooses to be “with us.”
When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart Today's Advent readings warn against proud self-sufficiency and complacency . . . . . . believing life is secure without ongoing conversion. The Prophet's image of a proud city brought low echoes Jesus' teaching that merely calling on the Lord isn't enough; discipleship requires acting on Christ's words. Life's Storms Reveal the True Foundation of Our Hearts Jesus' parable of houses built on rock versus sand shows that life's storms reveal the true foundation of our hearts: hearing alone is insufficient . . . obedience matters. True spiritual stability comes from living God's will, not self-reliance or superficial faith. The life of St. John of Damascus illustrates this: in the greatest trial . . . false accusations, loss of reputation, and even loss of his hand . . . he remained faithful and his faith was vindicated. Ultimately, true discipleship, like Mary's, means surrender to God's will, building a life on the solid rock of obedience to Christ's word. Listen more to When the Storm Comes: The Revealing of the Heart ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Storm on the Sea of Galilee: Dutch Painter: Rembrandt: 1633 Uniquely, this painting was in a Boston Museum for almost 100 years, until 1990. It was stolen that year and remains missing. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 7: 21, 24-27 First Reading: Isaiah 26: 1-6
Let it be Done For You According to Your Faith: Seeing Through the Light of Christ Today's Homily draws on the day's readings . . . Isaiah's prophecy, . . . . . . the psalm “The Lord is my light and my salvation,” and Matthew's account of Jesus healing two blind men . . . to explore the deep spiritual meaning of sight, hearing, and faith. Physical blindness and deafness point to humanity's deeper moral and spiritual inability to see and hear God. Isaiah shows that the coming of the Lord heals not only physical affliction, but the blindness and deafness of a world clouded by injustice, darkness, and moral confusion. In the Gospel, the two blind men follow Jesus not by sight but by attentive listening. Jesus does not stop for them immediately; instead, they must follow Him into “the house,” symbolizing both the Church on earth and the Father's house in heaven. Only there does Jesus question their faith and open their eyes. Why that way? Hear more within the Homily. The Homily emphasizes that discipleship begins not with seeing but with hearing, and that true healing requires not only need, but faith in Christ's goodness and power. Ultimately, in the Church . . . where Christ is present . . . we behold His face and receive the light that dispels our spiritual darkness. Listen to: Let it be Done For You According to Your Faith: Seeing Through the Light of Christ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Healing of the Blind Man: French Painter: Nicolas Poussin: 1650 Another piece of art from this painter may be found on this website here and here. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this art work selected: The painting depicts Christ giving sight to the blind . . . a perfect visual parallel to the Gospel and the title's focus on faith-enabled vision. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 27-31 First Reading: Isaiah 29: 17-24
Show Us Your Face, O Lord Today's Gospel and Homily reflect on Christ's compassion and mission during Advent. Jesus travels through villages teaching, proclaiming the Kingdom, and healing every disease. Seeing the crowds “like sheep without a shepherd,” He sends His disciples to proclaim the nearness of God's Kingdom and to heal freely, just as they have freely received. Lord, Show Us Your Face The Homily then explores Advent's longing: “Lord, show us your face and we shall be saved.” This desire runs through Scripture and finds its fulfillment in the nativity, when God literally shows His face in Christ. Isaiah's prophecies reveal the coming Savior as both shoot from the stump of Jesse and root of Jesse . . . the One who appears in time yet is the eternal source of all life. Only such a divine Savior can heal humanity's deepest wound: separation from God. Christ's ministry continues this revelation . . . He shows God's face through mercy, healing, and compassion. The disciples, having been generously formed and blessed, are sent to extend that same generosity to the world. Advent, therefore, is not passive waiting but active mission: receiving Christ, becoming Christlike, and bringing His healing and hope to those who are lost. Listen to: Show Us Your Face, O Lord ---------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Adoration of the Shepherds: Dutch Painter: Gerard van Honthorst: 1622 Notice the use of light in the painting. He was known as a painter that utilized light in his paintings. Another piece of art from this painter may be found on the QoAH website . ---------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this art work selected: The newborn Christ's face radiates light, echoing the longing to “see His face” and be saved. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 9: 35–10: 1, 5-8 First Reading: Isaiah 30: 19-21, 23-26
Into the Inner Desert: Rediscovering Our Relationship with God During Advent Today's Gospel reading centers on John the Baptist's call to repent and be fruitful. John preaches in the desert . . . a place free of distractions . . . where people must face the fundamental question: What is my relationship with God? Advent invites all Christians into this same interior desert, prompting honest self-examination and the courage to change. True repentance requires more than words or ritual; it demands inward transformation and the willingness to leave comfort zones. John challenges the Pharisees and Sadducees by insisting that repentance must bear fruit . . . justice, peace, patience, forgiveness, and compassion. Merely acknowledging sins is not enough; one must produce spiritual fruit that reflects a renewed relationship with God. The Homily also encourages believers during Advent to make a sincere confession, focus on personal conversion rather than others' faults, and open their hearts to God so they may live more lovingly and be prepared for Christ who is already in their midst. The Kingdom of God is at Hand … What does that really mean? Listen to this Meditation Media. Listen to … Into the Inner Desert: Rediscovering Our Relationship with God During Advent ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work Christ (Fasting) in the Dessert: Russian Painter: Ivan Kramskoi: 1872 The painting is sometimes called, Christ in the Wilderness. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 1-12 First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10 Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
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