Advent

Advent

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1^st SUNDAY OF ADVENT - A-

November 30, 2025

Isaiah 2: 1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13: 11-14; Matthew 24: 37-44

From today’s Gospel reading:

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know which day your Lord will come.”

Reflection:

In today’s gospel Jesus urges us to stay awake and ready for his coming. Not with fear but with awareness, living each day attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary moments of life.

So, we ask ourselves:

What in my life needs to be transformed into an instrument of peace?

How am I living each day alert to Christ’s presence?

What concrete steps of kindness, forgiveness, generosity can I take this Advent to reflect God’s light in my family, community or world?

Jude Siciliano, OP - <FrJude@JudeOP.org> Click Here for Fr. Jude's “First Impressions” reflection for this Sunday

2nd Sunday of Advent

- December 7, 2025

Isaiah 11: 1-10; Psalm 72; Romans 15: 4-9; Matthew 3: 1-12

From today’s Isaiah reading:

“On that day, a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse,

and from his roots a bud shall blossom.”

Reflection:

Isaiah’s image of a stump might well describe the condition of our world today. The news this morning reported that 30,000 women and children have been killed in Gaza, and 1.2 million Gazans have become refugees. The “stump” could also describe some part of our own lives – the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, declining health, a broken relationship. A stump is something cut down, lifeless, and seemingly beyond renewal.

So, we ask ourselves:

·        Where in my life, or community, do I see only a “stump” – something that seems cut off, without hope?

·        What must I do to make room for the new growth God wants to live in the world ?

·        What would it look like for me today to live as a citizen of Isaiah’s “peaceable kingdom?”

Jude Siciliano, OP - FrJude@JudeOP.org

3rd Sunday of Advent

- December 14, 2025

Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10; Psalm 146; James 5: 7-10; Matthew 11: 2-11

From today’s Gospel reading:

“You must be patient. Make your hearts firm because the coming of the Lord is near”

Reflection:

James gives us the image of a farmer who waits for the “precious fruit of the earth,” trusting that time, patience and God’s providence will bring growth. He reminds us at this Advent time to live in faith in what is unseen, “not yet.” He is inviting us to trust that time and God’s providence will bring growth.

So, we ask ourselves:

1. Where in my life am I being called to wait with faith rather than anxiety?

2. How can I “make my heart firm” through prayer, or service, during this Advent season?

3. In what way can I practice gentleness and patience with others as I prepare for the Lord’s coming.

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121425.cfm

Jude Siciliano, OP - FrJude@JudeOP.org

4th Sunday of Advent

- December 21, 2025

From today’s Gospel reading:

Reflection:

So, we ask ourselves:

Jude Siciliano, OP - FrJude@JudeOP.org