POPULARITY
Categories
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
Fr. Larry Richards of The Reason For Our Hope Foundation Podcast
St. Juan Diego, Hermit (Optional Memorial)
Homily from the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This feast day of the Immaculate Conception is not just a privilege for Mary: it's a prophecy for us. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception reveals God's plan to conquer sin not just by repairing what is broken, but by preparing a path where grace triumphs first. This Advent we are invited to enter into the "Sacrament of the Present Moment", where God offers real, life-changing grace in each moment we choose to be present to Him. Mary's unique "yes" reminds us to stop waiting and to respond to God's already-given grace with a wholehearted and immediate "yes". Mass Readings from December 8, 2025: Genesis 3:9-15, 20 Psalm 98:1-4Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12 Luke 1:26-38
Fr. Larry Richards of The Reason For Our Hope Foundation Podcast
Homily by Fr. Francis Mary Roaldi, CFR.
Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at: https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Solemnity)
In the season of Advent, we await the hope of new life, the baby Jesus coming at Christmas. In that hope, we are given the freedom to dream, dream of a life more wonderful than we can imagine, eternity, with God. Come, follow us: Parish Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify Music
Each week at The Shepherd's Church, we preach short homilies on the law of God and have decided to share those here as a resource to the people of God. This week, the command not to make any images of God
Homily from the Mass offered on Sunday, December 7th -1st Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 - 2nd Reading: Romans 15:4-9 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:1-12 - To support the podcast financially, click here: https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving
Sources:https://www.returntotradition.orgorhttps://substack.com/@returntotradition1Contact Me:Email: return2catholictradition@gmail.comSupport My Work:Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/AnthonyStineSubscribeStarhttps://www.subscribestar.net/return-to-traditionBuy Me A Coffeehttps://www.buymeacoffee.com/AnthonyStinePhysical Mail:Anthony StinePO Box 3048Shawnee, OK74802Follow me on the following social media:https://www.facebook.com/ReturnToCatholicTradition/https://twitter.com/pontificatormax+JMJ+#popeleoXIV #catholicism #catholicchurch #catholicprophecy#infiltration
Pastoral Reflections Finding God In Ourselves by Msgr. Don Fischer
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT Original Airdate: December 4, 2022 Isaiah 11:1-10 | Romans 15:4-9 | Matthew 3:1-12 Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance into his company, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever, amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mass Readings for Second Sunday of Advent - December 7, 2025 Reading 1, Isaiah 11:1-10 Responsorial Psalm, Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Reading 2, Romans 15:4-9 Gospel, Matthew 3:1-12
We continue our sermon series Christmas Grace as our NextGen Grow Pastor, Drew Humphrey, preaches from Colossians 1. "The Dawn of Redeeming Grace" Colossians 1:15-20Colossians 1:15 GRACE THAT IS SEEN Jesus was not the first being created, and yet Jesus was born."There is no God in Heaven who is unlike Jesus." - Michael ReevesColossians 1:19GRACE THAT IS FULL 1. Grace In MeColossians 2:6-7a 2. Anti-Grace Around MeColossians 2:83. Grace Through MeColossians 2:9-10 Colossians 1:20 GRACE THAT REDEEMS Ultimate Reconciliation: YesUniversal Salvation: No
Second Sunday of Advent
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120725.cfmIn today's homily, Fr. Mark reminds us that Advent is far more than holiday gatherings and seasonal noise. It is a sacred time to prepare our hearts for the presence of Christ. Just as we clean and organize our homes before welcoming guests, God calls us to put our spiritual house in order before welcoming His Son. Scripture reveals that the Lord is a God of order (Gen 1:1–3). Creation itself moved from chaos to harmony by His Word, and this same divine order is what He desires for every human soul.But sin disrupts that harmony. It creates disorder within us and among us—fractured families, broken relationships, wounded communities. This is why John the Baptist cries out, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt 3:2). Repentance is not self-loathing; it is metanoia—a turning back to the God who restores order, peace, and purpose. As St. Faustina wrote, “A contrite soul is a magnet for God” (Diary, 1485).Advent is a penitential season because we cannot encounter the presence of Jesus—especially in the Holy Eucharist—without first making space for Him. At every Mass, the priest invites us to “call to mind our sins” so our hearts may be properly prepared to receive the One who became flesh and dwelt among us. The Sacrament of Penance is not a burden but a gift. It is God's mercy reorganizing the disordered places in our hearts, bringing light where there is darkness and peace where there is turmoil.True repentance lifts us up. It purifies the will, strengthens virtue, and restores the joy that disorder steals. When we do good, we become good. When we welcome grace, order returns. And when order returns, peace follows. This is how we prepare for Christ—not only at Christmas, but every day until He comes again.Grow deeper this season with more teachings on DivineMercyPlus.org, our free and ad-free Catholic streaming platform. ★ Support this podcast ★
Sometimes the first step towards hope is reaching out and not trying to figure it out or fix it ourselves. The opposite of healing is denial of our darkness and running away in fear...Homily for the 2nd Sunday in Advent, Year A
We see most of the world as black and white, good is acknowledged, bad is punished and most religions are the same way.In Christianity however, God doesn't owe us anything.If Santa were loving and merciful, he would go to the land of misfit toys regardless of their defects.Jesus is mercy he came among us into our flawed world and didn't come for the righteous, but for the sinner. Not to punish us but to redeem us out of love. Through baptism we turn from misfits into loved adopted children of God.
from the 2025 SJNA Women's Christmas Gift Exchange, Dec 6, 2025
Homily from the Second Sunday of Advent. We worry while we wait. Advent teaches us not just to wait, but to trust while we wait. When we surrender worry and remember who God is, waiting becomes a place of grace instead of frustration. Mass Readings from December 7, 2025: Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12
St. Nicholas, Bishop (Optional Memorial)
Send us a textAt the heart of Christmas is the Christ child who is born among us. Imagine you are the child, sleep in the manger, awakening to the vision of God's kingdom.I have Mass on Sunday, December 7 at St. Isidore @ 7:30/9:30 am. The 7:30 am Mass will be live-streamed. https://stisidore.church/worship-online/frjoedailey@gmail.com
Reading the Signs of the Kingdom Today's Gospel passage uses the fig tree's budding branches . . . . . . as a sign that summer is near, just as unfolding events reveal the nearness of God's Kingdom. The reflection connects this to Daniel chapter 7, where turbulent waters . . . symbols of chaotic evil . . . give rise to four beasts representing earthly kingdoms that rise and fall. In contrast, the “Ancient One” and the “Son of Man” receive everlasting dominion. The Homily challenges us to recognize which kingdom they give their loyalty to: the passing kingdoms of wealth, honor, or worldly power, or the eternal Kingdom of Christ. Just as we discern signs in nature, we are called to discern the signs of the times, especially as Advent begins, focusing our lives on the coming reign of Christ. Mary is invoked to help us read these signs and remain faithful to the eternal Kingdom. Hear more within this Meditation. Reading the Signs of the Kingdom -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Angelus or The Praying Farmers: French Painter: Jean-François Millet: c. 1857 The painting depicts two farmers bowing in a field over a basket of potatoes to say a prayer, the Angelus. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Why was this art work selected: A quiet moment of prayer in the fields suggests attentiveness to divine signs in daily life. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 29-33 First Reading: Daniel 7: 2-14
Homily of Fr. Mike O'Connor from Mass December 5, 2025 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS. Readings Is 29:17-24 Mt 9:27-31 If you would like to donate to OLG and her livestream ministry, please go to https://olgchurch.net/give
The Scripture readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120525.cfmTo encounter Christ is to encounter the One who heals—physically, spiritually, supernaturally. Today's Gospel reminds us that miracles are not mythology but reality. Two blind men cry out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us.” Their plea becomes the seed of what the Church would later cherish as the Jesus Prayer—“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”The Fathers of the Church teach us that Scripture works on multiple levels. Historically, the miracle happened. Allegorically, the story unveils the drama of the spiritual life. We, too, are often blind—moving through seasons of darkness, dryness, and desolation. St. John of the Cross calls this the “dark night of the senses,” a purification God permits so that we learn fidelity beyond feelings.Yet God does not leave the faithful in darkness. For those who persevere, He leads them into illumination, contemplation, even the grace of infused prayer—where, as St. Teresa of Avila describes, the soul is “invaded by the supernatural.” Prayer shifts from something we do to something God does in us.This is the heart of the Jesus Prayer. Slowly, reverently, breathed in rhythm with the heart, the soul becomes accustomed to the presence of Jesus. The Eastern saints tell us that one can reach the place where even in sleep the heart continues to pray.This is our call: not merely to “say prayers,” but to become prayer. To carry Jesus in every breath. To let His name shape our thoughts, our conversations, our interior life. When we invoke His Holy Name, He draws near—because He desires intimate communion with us.To go deeper in your spiritual life, visit DivineMercyPlus.org, our free, ad-free Catholic streaming platform. And for guidance in prayer and contemplation, see the link in bio for resources and books that can help you journey into the heart of Jesus.#marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #catholictiktokAdditional tags: #jesusprayer #easterncatholic #prayerlife #frdanielmaria #holiness #contemplativeprayer #scripturestudy #dailyhomily #spiritualgrowth #christianprayer ★ Support this podcast ★
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Friday of the First Week of Advent. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24 Psalm: Psalm 27:1, 4, 13-14 Gospel: Matthew 9:27-31 Catholic Radio Network
Don't just wait for grace but create change and do something within us
5 December 2025
Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at: https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120425.cfmIn this powerful Advent homily, Fr. Mark reveals why the Church gives us such seemingly “unrelated” readings during the early days of the season. Beneath the surface, he shows a single thread tying them together: Israel's longing for a Messiah who would finally give humanity the power to live God's will. From the failures of the Old Testament to the warnings of the prophets, the people discovered what we must rediscover—misery always follows when we trust ourselves more than God.Israel's exile, their suffering, and their longing formed the backdrop for Advent hope: a Messiah who would restore not only the kingdom, but the human heart. As Fr. Mark explains, God's will is never arbitrary. Because “God is goodness itself” (CCC 199), His will can only be good, healing, and life-giving. When we surrender to that will, we stand on the unchanging rock of divine truth—immovable, stable, and at peace. “Order brings peace,” says St. Thomas Aquinas, and Advent invites us to let God reorder our desires so that our hearts may rest in Him.Jesus warns us in today's Gospel that salvation is inseparable from doing the Father's will. Advent, then, becomes a season of holy realignment: turning from sin, renouncing self-reliance, and trusting in God's providence with the same hopeful expectation Israel once knew. As we prepare for Christmas, Fr. Mark urges us to pray with conviction: “Not my will, Lord, but Yours be done.”To deepen your Advent journey, explore more teachings on DivineMercyPlus.org and the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus app. Visit the link in our bio for homilies, reflections, the Rosary, the Chaplet, and Advent resources to guide you toward Christ.#marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy#frmarkbaron #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #catholictiktok#godswill #advent #preparetheway #catholichomily #dailyhomily #scripture #faith #hope #repentance ★ Support this podcast ★
Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the First Week of Advent and Memorial of Saint John of Damascus, Priest and Doctor of the Church. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 26:1-6 Psalm: Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24-27 Catholic Radio Network
As we move deeper into Advent, is there one thing in particular to work on with God?
Msgr. Roger J. Landry Cesi Chapel, St. Mary Major Basilica, Rome Pilgrimage for the Acton Institute Thursday of the First Week of Advent Memorial of St. John Damascene December 4, 2025 Is 26:1-6, Ps 118, Mt 7:21.24-27 To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/12.4.25_Homily_at_St._Mary_Major_1.mp3 The following points […] The post Building Our Life, Like Mary, on the Rock of God and His Word, First Thursday of Advent, December 4, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.
Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger
4 December 2025
Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger
Send us a textCheck out the JIBM Web site at: https://www.joeinblackministries.com/Please use the following link if you would like to financially support Church of the Holy Family: https://pushpay.com/g/hfgrandblanc?sr…Support the show
St. Francis Xavier, Priest (Memorial)
Homily of Fr. Mike O'Connor from Mass December 3, 2025 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS. Readings Isaiah 25:6-10a Matthew 15:29-37 If you would like to donate to OLG and her livestream ministry, please go to https://olgchurch.net/give
Emulate the care for souls that Jesus has.
The Quiet Lord Who Comes to Save, Not to Seize Today's Homily reflects on the Gospel warning to remain spiritually alert, . . . . . . not numbed by excess or overwhelmed by daily anxieties. It connects Jesus' teaching to the apocalyptic visions in Daniel, where chaotic “beasts” rise from storm-tossed seas . . . symbols of destructive powers, hardships, and the unruly forces of history and human life. The preacher emphasizes that these images are not abstract: evil is real, suffering is real, and overwhelming pressures . . . whether political, cultural, personal, or emotional . . . threaten faith and hope. Yet above the chaos stands God, who alone grants true kingship and whose rule is not seized through force but given through goodness. Daniel's vision climaxes with “one like a Son of Man,” revealing true humanity and God's definitive victory over evil. Jesus Warns the Final Day Will Come Upon Everyone Jesus warns His disciples that the final day will come upon everyone, so they must stay vigilant . . . not only against persecution, but also against the drowning flood of ordinary worries. Prayer strengthens believers to stand courageously before the Son of Man. In the Eucharist, Christ gives Himself gently . . . not as a dominating power, but as a saving Lord whose goodness endures when all evil passes away. The Homily concludes by urging confidence, hope, and fidelity: goodness matters, evil will not last, and Christ prepares His people even now to meet Him in glory. Listen to: The Quiet Lord Who Comes to Save, Not to Seize ---------------------------------------------------------- Art Work The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb: Dutch Painter: Jan Van Eyck: 1432 ---------------------------------------------------------- Why was this art work selected: The Lamb symbolizes Christ who saves through self-giving rather than domination, perfectly matching the Homily's contrast between the world's beasts and Christ's gentle reign. ---------------------------------------------------------- Gospel Reading: Luke 21: 34-36 First Reading: Daniel 7: 15-27
The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120325.cfmAdvent invites us to wait—not passively, but with trust. As Fr. Tyler Mentzer reflects on Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want,” he reminds us that God's provision is never merely sufficient; it is abundant, verdant, and overflowing. In a world where we're tempted to grasp, control, or hurry, Advent teaches us to rest in the “fertile pastures” where the Good Shepherd gives us repose.Fr. Tyler shows how the Lord's generosity is revealed through Scripture: the prophecy of Isaiah, the miracles of Jesus, the multiplication of loaves, and the Eucharist—our “juicy, rich food” and “pure choice wine.” The Catechism teaches: “Hope is the confident expectation of divine blessing” (CCC 2090). Advent hope means trusting that God's timing is perfect, His providence lavish, and His guidance steady—even in the “dark valley.”Like Jesus in the desert and on the Cross, we are invited to wait on the Father rather than take matters into our own hands. The fruit of this waiting is abundance, courage, resurrection life, and the promise that we “shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”Watch the full homily on YouTube, DivineMercyPlus.org, the DM+ app, and wherever you get your podcasts.Deepen your Advent with exclusive Catholic content on the free, ad-free Divine Mercy Plus streaming platform. Explore the Diary of St. Faustina and Understanding the Sacraments at ShopMercy.org.More resources available at the link in our bio.#marian #marians #marianfathers #marianhelpers #divinemercy #thedivinemercy #catholic #catholicism #romancatholic #romancatholicism #frtylermentzer #catholictiktok#advent #psalm23 #goodshepherd #eucharist #hope #waitingonGod #trustGod #CatholicHomily #dailyhomily #JesusChrist ★ Support this podcast ★
Advent E1 — Over the next four weeks, we'll be exploring the four key words associated with the Advent season: hope, peace, joy, and love, starting with hope. The Hebrew words often translated as “hope,” yakhal and qavah, are rooted in images of waiting and being stretched, like a cord pulled tight. From Noah waiting for the flood waters to recede, to Israel longing for God's loyal love, to Jesus followers ultimate hope in the new creation, the Bible presents hope as an active trust in God's character. In this episode, Jon and Tim explore how the biblical story reframes hope as active waiting, a practice that keeps us moving toward God's promises.FULL SHOW NOTESFor chapter-by-chapter notes including summaries, referenced Scriptures, biblical words, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.CHAPTERSYakhal, a Waiting Hope (0:00–11:26)Qavah, a Stretching Hope (11:26–24:10)Biblical Hope vs. Optimism (24:10–27:47)Reflections on Hope With Dylan (27:47-32:50)OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPTView this episode's official transcript.REFERENCED RESOURCESThe Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament by Ludwig Koehler and Walter BaumgartnerThe Life of Moses and Homilies on the Song of Songs by Gregory of NyssaThe Last Battle by C.S. LewisYakhal / Hope: Though not referenced directly in the episode, this 2017 video explores the same biblical words, yakhal and qavah.Check out Tim's extensive collection of recommended books here.SHOW MUSIC“Home For Christmas” by Lofi Sunday & Cassidy Godwin“That Gospel ft. Bobcat” by Lofi Sunday“Snowflakes” by AvesBibleProject theme song by TENTS SHOW CREDITSProduction of today's episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey is our supervising engineer, who also edited today's episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty does our show notes, and Hannah Woo provides the annotations for our app. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Special thanks to our guest Dylan Menges. Powered and distributed by Simplecast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.