December 1 First Sunday of Advent - Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2;

Luke 21:25, 28, 34-36

Today’s readings are “time sensitive,” beginning with our first reading, “The days are coming..., in those days..., in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot.” While in the Gospel, Jesus tells us to “Be vigilant at all times,” setting the stage for the new season of the Church year which we enter today. It is a time of being alert, vigilant, stepping out of our ordinary lives where we are hurried and distracted about many things, especially our consumer consumption that belies the Advent season. During Advent, we are at a crossroads where we are challenged to abandon our usual ways, changing to start a new path carved out by Emmanuel. It is a path that leans toward doing “what is right and just in the land.”

Today also begins Jubilee Year 2025, Pilgrims of Hope, with its focus on forgiveness and hope to which all Christians are called to give witness in our world in crisis with wars, climate change and hatred. Allow the words to the Thessalonians to touch our hearts, “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love...strengthening your hearts” in Advent Hope.

Sister Barbara Smith, ASC

Monday, December 2 - Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 8:5-11

A pagan officer compassionately pleads with Jesus on behalf of his dreadfully suffering slave and trusts that Jesus will heal the slave from a distance – no personal visit necessary! Jesus does heal the slave. But Jesus also gifts the centurion, "Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.” Wow! A pagan with greater faith than Jesus’ people. My invitation is to reflect on how I live faith and ardently pray for an increase of faith - to allow the Spirit to “instruct us in his ways” that “we may walk in his paths" by letting go of swords and spears of prejudice, racism, hatred, consumerism, etc., to “walk in the light of the LORD!”

Anonymous

Tuesday, December 3 Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 10:21-24

Each day, I try to pause for a moment and ask myself, "What does the Lord want from me today?" In today's readings, I find opportunities to hear a message on growing my faith. God's presence in our lives can be like branches, each extending out to different places. The branches give us the ability to build trust and faith that God will provide and guide us through our numerous journeys--be it professional, personal, spiritual, or something else. And, while we might not always understand the hows and the whys of our daily details, we can be certain that God is there to protect us if we allow and embrace his presence in our lives.

Jennifer Green-Miracle ’88, Board of Trustees

Wednesday, December 4 - Isaiah 25:6-10a; Matthew 15:29-37

In this gospel the people brought their infirmities to Jesus and laid them at his feet. He cured them, then fed them and sent them away satisfied. As I prepare my heart for the coming of the Lord, I will lay my spiritual infirmities at his feet by placing my faith and trust in him, knowing he will not send me away empty-handed but rather satisfied, and I can rejoice with Isaiah as he says, “This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.”

Zachary Kelsey, Seminarian

Thursday, December 5 - Isaiah 26:1-6; Matthew 7:21, 24-27

The readings for this day are powerful and meaningful. In many ways, they differ, but they have one thing in common. They both focus on the power and glory of God. Isaiah reminds me about how much God can do for us and how much power God holds. Matthew holds a lot of meaning to me. As someone who values volunteering and living with my faith, Matthew is a good reminder that this is what God asks of us. I think of the times when I didn’t act in my faith but only talked about my faith. Everything we do should point to God. After all God is deserving.

Grace Hertel, Student

Friday, December 6 - Isaiah 29:17-24; Matthew 9:27-31

In Isaiah and Matthew we see a powerful teaching on God’s kingdom and how it is a place of restoration, healing, and justice, brought about through faith in His power and promises. Isaiah looks at the vision of a promised renewed world. In Matthew we see the promise of this renewed world becomes a reality through Jesus's ministry. I believe both passages encourage us to trust God’s ability to transform our lives and the world around us. We are to respond with faith, hope, and gratitude, and be part of the transformation of the world around us.

Jeannie Ross, Director of the Student Success Center

Saturday, December 7 - Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26; Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

These two passages speak to the power of healing. The first one reminds us that our gracious God will hear our cries for help and heal our afflictions if we listen for him in times of trouble. God will call out to us, “This is the way; walk in it.” In Matthew we are reminded that we too are called to heal others and to be instruments of God’s healing power. Jesus says, “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Let us always remember to turn to Jesus in our time of need and reach out to others with compassion in theirs.

Lynne Schreiner, Parent of Newman students