Podcasts about second week

"Christ is Coming"Malachi 3:1 NIV  “I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.  Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.  Malachi is a Hebrew name meaning "my messenger" famously belonging to the last Old Testament prophet who delivered God's final messages before a long silence, calling Israel to repentance and foretelling the coming of the Messiah, Our Lord, Our Savior.  Advent: Latin word “adventus,” the word advent means “arrival” or “coming.” First Week of Advent:Theme: Hope (Hope Candle or Prophet's Candle).Theme: Peace (Peace Candle, Love Candle, or Bethlehem Candle).Theme: Joy (Joy Candle or Shepherd's Candle).Special Name: Gaudete Sunday, emphasizing rejoicing.Theme: Love (Love Candle of The Angel Candle) Christmas Day, which marks the culmination of the Advent season,and the central Christ Candle on the Advent wreath is typically lit on this day to symbolize the birthof Jesus, the Light of the World.Second Week of Advent:Third Week of Advent:Fourth Week of Advent: The prophecy here reveals the Christ Child that did come and also foretells the One who shall also return.  12/21/25 Misty Creek Community ChurchSermon message by Jeff Willis

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Chapel of The Pontifical Mission Societies USA, St. Petersburg, Florida Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent December 16, 2025 Zeph 3:1-2.9-13, Ps 34, Mt 21:28-32   To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/12.16.25_Homily_1.mp3   The following points were attempted in the homily:  The essential […] The post Heeding the Baptist’s Call to Do The Father’s Will This Advent, Third Tuesday of Advent, December 16, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

Today on The Riff, Drew and Jon sit down to talk about Drew's second week at North Point... Next week..... Might even hear about his third. We hope today is helpful. Thanks for listening!!

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Second Week in Advent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lucy, Virgin, Martyr Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 Alleluia: Luke 3: 4, 6 Gospel: Matthew 17: 9a, 10-13   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Evening lessons: Psalms 107:23-43; Isaiah 56; Luke 15:11-32.  Those who go down to sea in ships…they behold the works of the Lord.

Saturday of the Second Week of Advent Memorial of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, 283-304. lived a Christian life; but she rejected the advances of a Roman soldier, and was arrested, and martyred; Lucy is the patron saint of eye ailments Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/13/25 Gospel: Matthew 17:9-13

Msgr. Roger J. Landry Church of St. Agnes, Manhattan Advent Day of Recollection for the Leonine Forum Saturday of the Second Week of Advent December 13, 2025 Sir 48:1-4.9-11, Ps 80, Mt 17:9-13   To listen to an audio recording of today’s homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/12.13.25_Homily_on_Advent_Fire_1.mp3   The following text guided the homily:  One of […] The post Advent Fire, Second Saturday of Advent, December 13, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Saturday of the Second Week in Advent by Mr. Clement Harrold. Lucy, Virgin, Martyr Obligatory Memorial First Reading: Sirach 48: 1-4, 9-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 80: 2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 Alleluia: Luke 3: 4, 6 Gospel: Matthew 17: 9a, 10-13   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Homily from the Mass offered on Thursday, December 11th -1st Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 - Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:11-15 - To support the podcast financially, click here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://stpiuscda.org/online-giving

Read OnlineAs they were coming down from the mountain, the disciples asked Jesus, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” Matthew 17:9a & 10The final book of the Old Testament, written by the prophet Malachi around the fifth century BC, contains a prophecy that Elijah would return to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah (see Malachi 3:23–24). The scribes used this prophecy to argue that Jesus could not be the Messiah since Elijah had not yet returned, at least not in the way they expected. This argument caused confusion in the minds of Jesus' Apostles.Just before the event in today's Gospel passage, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a high mountain where He was transfigured before them, giving them a glimpse of His heavenly glory. This experience strengthened their conviction that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. However, as they descended the mountain, they asked Jesus about Malachi's prophecy, seeking to understand how Jesus could be the Messiah if Elijah had not yet come. Jesus clarified this for them: “‘I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him…' Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist” (Matthew 17:12–13).As we grow in our faith and become convinced of Jesus' identity as the Messiah, we might also encounter what appear to be contradictions. For example, faith and science sometimes seem to conflict, even though they are ultimately harmonious. The existence of human suffering and injustice can challenge our understanding of an all-powerful, all-loving God. Moral questions can arise when we encounter differing opinions, and various other experiences might seem difficult to reconcile with the Word of God.If you find yourself facing such challenges, take inspiration from Peter, James, and John. Allow your faith to deepen through moments of prayer and personal encounters with God. Then, do not shy away from questions that arise in your mind. If something seems contradictory to your faith, seek understanding. Turn to our Lord in prayer, study the teachings of the Church, read the writings of the saints, and trust that God's Wisdom is perfect. It will clarify every apparent contradiction and dispel all confusion. Reflect today on the example of these three Apostles seeking clarity from Jesus. They asked their question with faith, not with skepticism. They did not doubt but sought understanding. Imitate them with every question that arises in your mind so that you may find interior peace and become a beacon of wisdom to others.Lord of true Wisdom, You are Truth Itself. As I grow in my faith and as my faith is challenged in daily life, help me never to doubt but to seek You all the more. Grant me the gifts of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge so that I may become ever more fervent in following You. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Reasonable Ignorance - The Podcast Show hosted by Jamal Shabazz (@kingboola) Magic Mike Walton (@magicmike32). Two Black Men raised on Chicago's Southside bringing you their views on today's Music, Business, and World Events.

Evening lessons: Psalms 106:19-46; Isaiah 55; Luke 14:25-15:10.  They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped a molten image.

Morning lessons: Psalms 107:1-22; Ecclesiasticus 49; Revelation 5.  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endures forever.

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Friday of the Second Week of Advent Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/12/25 Gospel: Luke 1:26-38

Father Jonathan Torres homily on the Second Week of Advent Vigil Mass on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary December 08, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Readings https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120825.cfm Check out our YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@salisburycatholic?si=7lDedKg4M2jkQHr2

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Second Week in Advent by Ms. Joan Watson. Advent Weekday/ Damasus I, Pope First Reading: Isaiah 41: 13-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab Alleluia: Isaiah 45: 8 Gospel: Matthew 11: 11-15   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

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

Friends of the Rosary,In today's Gospel reading (Matthew 11:11-15), Our Lord, while saying that "there has been none greater than John the Baptist", reveals to us:"From the days of John the Baptist until now,the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence,and the violent are taking it by force."This ambiguous passage has been interpreted essentially in two ways over the centuries. Many believed it meant that the kingdom of God is attacked by violent people, such as those who killed John the Baptist.But others have interpreted it in the opposite direction, signifying that the "violent" are the spiritually heroic types who resist the traps and temptations of our fallen nature and discipline themselves.We prefer this second interpretation, taking it as an invitation to be soldiers of Christ and warriors of Our Lady of the Rosary. Ave MariaCome, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠December 11, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Listen to Fr. Steve's homily from 12/11/25.Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating and/or review, and share on social media or with a friend! You can email ashley@rootedinthereallyreal.com with any questions or suggestions. God bless.

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Thursday of the Second Week of Advent. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 41:13-20 Psalm: Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15 Catholic Radio Network

Morning lessons: Psalms 106:1-18; Ecclesiasticus 48; Revelation 4.  O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endures forever.

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent Optional Memorial of Pope St. Damasus I, 304-384; when Damasus was elected pope, a minority elected and consecrated another deacon, Ursinus, as pope; supporters of the antipope even managed to get Damasus accused of a grave crime—probably sexual—as late as A.D. 378; he had to clear himself before both a civil court and a Church synod; as pope, his lifestyle was simple in contrast to other ecclesiastics of Rome, and he was fierce in his denunciation of Arianism and other heresies; during his pontificate, Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman state, and Latin became the principal liturgical language as part of the pope’s reforms Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/11/25 Gospel: Matthew 11:11-15

Msgr. Roger J. LandryIESE Business School, ManhattanLeonine Forum New York Chapter Thursday of the Second Week of Advent Memorial of Pope St. DamasusDecember 11, 2025Is 41:13-20, Ps 145, Mt 11:11-15 To listen to an audio recording of today's homily, please click below:  https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/catholicpreaching/12.11.25_homily_Edited.mp3   The following text guided the homily:  The Jews were waiting in […] The post Becoming “Violent” Like Jesus and St. John the Baptist, Second Thursday of Advent, December 11, 2025 appeared first on Catholic Preaching.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Thursday of the Second Week in Advent by Ms. Joan Watson. Advent Weekday/ Damasus I, Pope First Reading: Isaiah 41: 13-20 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 145: 1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab Alleluia: Isaiah 45: 8 Gospel: Matthew 11: 11-15   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Point to Jesus and you will find your way.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent by Dr. John Bergsma. Advent Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 40: 25-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 Gospel: Matthew 11: 28-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Read Online“Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force.” Matthew 11:11–12The two sentences in the passage above can be challenging to comprehend, but the insights of Church Fathers and saints offer us a deeper understanding.In the first sentence, Jesus declares John the Baptist to be the greatest of those born of women, highlighting John as the last and greatest of the Old Testament prophets. However, John did not live to see the fullness of Christ's work—His death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. This is why Jesus adds, “yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” In other words, even the smallest person who receives sanctifying grace through Christ's redemptive work is greater in spiritual privilege than the greatest person before the era of grace.The second sentence may be even more puzzling. How can the Kingdom of Heaven suffer violence, and who are the violent ones taking it by force? The Greek words translated as “violence” and “violent” can also be understood as “forcefully advancing” and those who “advance with force and determination.” Jesus is teaching that entering the Kingdom of God requires great determination, a forceful rejection of sin, and a vigorous pursuit of holiness.Together, these sentences reveal Jesus' message about the incredible blessing of living in the time of grace. We are more privileged than even John the Baptist because we live in the fullness of the Christian dispensation. However, this privilege comes with a responsibility: we must engage in a “violent” battle against our fallen nature, the temptations of the world, and the deceptions of the devil. Entering the Kingdom of God requires zeal, determination, and an all-consuming passion for the things of God.It's easy to fall into a mediocre practice of our Christian faith, letting our disordered desires and emotions dictate our actions. But Jesus calls us to something greater. Those who understand the Christian life as a spiritual battle against sin will be prepared to move beyond mediocrity into a fervent, committed embrace of God's grace, becoming fuller participants in the Kingdom of Heaven. Reflect today on how actively you are receiving and cooperating with God's grace. Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone, repent of every sin, and passionately choose to follow Christ? Though this path requires great sacrifice, the reward of the Kingdom of Heaven is worth it a hundredfold. My most glorious Lord, the gift of Your grace is all I need to achieve the greatness to which You call me. Please pour forth that grace in abundance, and help me to respond to Your invitation to repent of my sin so that I may become a more active member of Your glorious Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and ultimately in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

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

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 Psalm: Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30 Catholic Radio Network

Evening lessons: Psalms 104; Isaiah 53; Luke 13:10-35.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God, you have become exceedingly glorious; you are clothed with majesty and honor.

Morning lessons: Psalms 105:1-22; Ecclesiasticus 47; Revelation 3:7-22.  Give thanks unto the Lord and call upon his Name; tell the peoples what things he has done.

Evening lessons: Psalms 105:23-44; Isaiah 54; Luke 14:1-24.  Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob was a stranger in the land of Ham.

Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent Saint of the Day: St. Mennas; an Athenian from Greece, sent to Alexandria on an imperial commission by Emperor Galerius; successful, he proclaimed himself a Christian; before Hermogenes, a judge, Mennas sang a four-hour musical defense of Christianity; his eyes were gouged out and his tongue cut off; according to legend, his eyes and tongue were miraculously restored, which led to the conversion of Hermogenes; Mennas was beheaded in 312 A.D. Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/10/25 Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent by Dr. John Bergsma. Advent Weekday First Reading: Isaiah 40: 25-31 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 103: 1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10 Gospel: Matthew 11: 28-30   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent by Dr. Shane Owens. Advent Weekday/ Juan Diego, Hermit First Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-11 Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96: 1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13 Gospel: Matthew 18: 12-14   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com Bible Across America is a new FREE Scripture study initiative that brings Catholics together to read and study God's Word from the heart of the Church. Join Dr. Shane Owens—Associate Professor of Theology at Franciscan University—together with Fr. Boniface Hicks, Alex Jones, Katie McGrady, and Heather Khym for our Advent Bible Across America study. Sign up to join the movement today at www.stpaulcenter.com/america

Read Online“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:28–30Each of us needs to hear these gentle and inviting words more than we realize. On the surface, many people project an image of happiness, as if they have it all together. Social media profiles often present the happy, successful, fun, and impressive aspects of a person's life. The good news is that there is much to rejoice in, and many people do have blessings to share. However, there are also times when Jesus' words above are needed more than ever.What burdens you? What weighs you down the most? Sometimes, we are not even self-aware enough to identify the root cause of our burdens. We might point to external factors beyond our control as the source of our discontentment. The truth, however, is that the deepest burdens we carry are those caused by our own sin. Those who love God with their whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and love their neighbor with the Heart of Christ, cannot be burdened or overwhelmed by anything in this life when they are free from sin. Even the worst tragedies or the heaviest crosses become opportunities for a deeper encounter with God, resulting in profound peace and joy, even in the midst of suffering.“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” This invitation from Jesus is not just a call to find relief from life's challenges; it's an invitation to be unburdened by sin, so that we can carry Jesus' Cross of pure sacrificial love. Freedom from sin leads to divine love, which is always sacrificial and self-giving. Sacrificial love, in turn, is more fulfilling, light, and joyful than anything else in life. When we learn to love God rather than sin, we begin to love with His Heart, selflessly laying down our lives for others in imitation of Jesus. This act of love then becomes our greatest joy. Reflect today on this deeply personal invitation spoken from Jesus' Heart to yours. Hear Him say it to you. Look into your own life, become fully self-aware in Christ, identify the sins that burden you the most, entrust them to our Lord, and let Him free you so that you can love Him and others with His Heart. This is the yoke of Christ, and carrying it will become your greatest joy in life. My inviting Lord, You call me to look into my soul to discover the sin that burdens me and keeps me from the freedom I deeply desire. Please open my eyes, dear Lord, and lift the burdens caused by my sins so that I can carry Your Cross of selfless and sacrificial love, finding perfect joy and contentment in doing so. Jesus, I trust in You. Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent. Today's readings First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm: Psalm 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13 Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14 Catholic Radio Network

The lectionary readings for the Memorial of St. Juan Diego Cauhtlatoatzin help to show us why he was chosen by our Lord to receive such a gift from Our Lady. St. Paul begins the First Letter to the Corinthians:  “Not many of you were wise by human standards,   not many were powerful,   not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,   and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong…”  Juan Diego was not expecting anything special to happen to him as he was walking from his home to the Franciscan mission station for religious instruction. As his route passed by the hill at Tepeyac in the Sierra de Guadalupe Mountain Range, he encountered the Virgin Mary, who revealed herself to him as the ever-virgin Mother of God. He was instructed to request from the bishop that a chapel be erected in her honor so that she might relieve the distress of those who call upon her in their need.  The bishop, as might be expected, did not initially go along with the plan. Bishop Juan Zumarraga asked Juan Diego to come back another day so the bishop would have time to reflect upon the request. Returning home, Juan encountered the Virgin again and announced the failure of his mission. Juan suggested the Blessed Mother ask someone of more importance to speak to the bishop, but she insisted that it was he, Juan Diego, that she wanted for the task. Juan returned to the bishop the next day, which was Sunday, December 10th, 1531. The bishop then asked Juan for some proof that this apparition was truly from heaven.  Juan returned immediately to the hill at Tepeyac, and the Virgin met him again. She told Juan to return to the bishop and she would provide the proof needed. Overnight, however, Juan Diego's uncle's health had deteriorated to the point where Juan felt he had to get a priest to administer the sacraments. It was two days later that the Virgin met him on the road and gently admonished him for not trusting in her intercession. She instructed Juan to climb to the top of the mountain and bring her back some of the flowers that were growing there. He found the flowers, even though they were not in season and were not expected to be found on the rocky outpost where normally cactus and shrub only grew. He gathered them into his mantle and brought them back to Our Lady. She arranged the flowers and Juan set off to find the bishop. When he was allowed into the bishop's presence, he opened the mantle of his cloak and when the flowers dropped out, what remained was an impression of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Lady of Guadalupe.  In the words of the Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium, Our Lady “is the friend who is ever concerned that wine not be lacking in our lives. She is the woman whose heart was pierced by a sword and who understands our pain. As mother of all, she is a sign of hope for peoples suffering the birth pangs of justice…As a true mother, she walks at our side, she shares our struggles and she constantly surrounds us with God's love.” The words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to Juan Diego after he missed their meeting due to his uncle's illness could be addressed to everyone privileged to know her : “My youngest son, what is the matter? Do not let it disturb your heart. Am I not here, I who have the honor to be your mother?”  Advent Blessings,Fr. Kevin MacDonald, C.Ss.R.  

Morning lessons: Psalms 103; Ecclesiasticus 46; Revelation 2:18-3:6.  Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, praise his holy Name.

Evening lessons: Psalms 102; Isaiah 52; Luke 12:54-13:9.  Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto you.

Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent Optional Memorial of St. Juan Diego, 1474-1548; it was to Juan Diego that Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared at Tepeyac Hill in 1531; Juan Diego later lived near the shrine constructed at Tepeyac, revered as a holy, unselfish, and compassionate catechist, who taught by word and especially by example Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 12/09/25 Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14

Read Online“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine in the hills and go in search of the stray? And if he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray.”  Matthew 18:12–13Jesus teaches us a powerful lesson using a familiar image: the shepherd who discovers one of his sheep is missing, goes on a diligent search, finds the lost sheep, and rejoices. The hard work of searching through the hills and valleys is rewarded as soon as the shepherd spots that one lost sheep in the distance. He quickly runs to it, picks it up, and carries it back to the flock. While that one sheep is not more valuable than any of the other ninety-nine, there is great joy in finding the one that was lost.We are all that one lost sheep at various times in our lives. Sometimes we stray just around the corner, while other times we wander far from God. This image of the Good Shepherd diligently seeking out the lost sheep teaches us two essential lessons. First, when we wander away from God and fall into sin, it's easy to forget how much the Good Shepherd loves us. We might think that God is disappointed or angry with us, but these are lies from the evil one that deter us from turning back to God. Since we will always struggle with sin in this life, we must have a clear image in our minds of the Good Shepherd's love. We must be keenly aware of the passion, intensity, and determination with which He seeks us out. He does not sit in judgment or condemnation. Like a loving parent, His deepest desire is to find us and for us to allow Him to pick us up and carry us back to His fold.While this image is crucial for us to consider regarding our personal sins and God's love for us, it must also serve as a model for how we relate to others when they sin. As we grow closer to God and become more aware of His will and moral law, we might be tempted to judge others, especially within our own families. Though we must never downplay objective sin or become indifferent to the sins of others, we must also reject the role of judge and jury. Instead, we must become instruments of the Good Shepherd to those around us. With Christ, our only intention should be to go out to the lost, find them in their sin, love them despite their sin, and offer to carry them home. We must never reject a person because of his or her sin, even if the person remains obstinately attached to it. Reflect today on the burning compassion our Lord has for you, even when you sin. Never hesitate to turn back to Him and allow Him to carry you home, rejoicing all the way. Also, reflect on those you know who have strayed from God. Perhaps they no longer attend Mass, are living in an immoral relationship, vocally support something contrary to the Gospel, or struggle with an addiction or sinful attachment. Do not judge them—love them. Be an instrument of the Heart of Jesus for them so that, through you, they may sense the love Jesus has in His Heart for them. My most compassionate Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd Who never tires of pursuing Your straying sheep. Your deepest desire is to bring them home. When I stray, help me to remember Your burning love for me so that I will never hesitate to turn back to You. When others around me stray, please give me Your Heart, dear Lord, so that I may love them so deeply that You draw them out of their sin. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image via Adobe StockSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Martin leads a discussion of the topic of peace as we continue our celebration of Advent.