Dear John,

Today in St. Matthew’s gospel, we meet the forerunner of Christ, the “voice of one crying in the wilderness”.  

First reading: Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm: 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17

Second reading: Romans 15:4-9

Gospel: St. Matthew 3: 1-12

Here is a link to today's readings.

John the Baptist figures prominently in this year’s Advent gospels from St. Matthew, as the “burning and shining lamp” described in the Gospel of John (Jn. 5:35).  The Baptist’s message was an invitation to repentance―of returning to the ways of the Lord. The simple people of his time, the “poor and lowly ones” who longed for goodness, lined up to receive the waters of the Jordan River from John’s hands as they humbly confessed their sins. 

On the other hand, John had no patience for hypocrites.  He likened them to poisonous snakes who think they have no need of repentance.  Today’s Gospel and Psalm remind us of God’s mercy―He “delivers the needy” and “has pity on the weak”.  They also warn us of God’s justice.  As St. John the Baptist notes, “…the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

What a joy and relief to know that God loves and forgives us as we cleanse our hearts in preparation for the gift of His Son.  How blessed we are to have this time of Advent preparation, to contemplate both God’s mercy and His justice!   What can you do this week to turn back to Our Lord and to share with family and friends your own experience of Advent?    

Among EWTN’s faith-filled programs to encourage and inspire you this week (all times Eastern): 

An EWTN Holy Land Experience:  Mary.  Fr. Joseph and Fr. Mark reflect on the life of Mary as they visit the sites blessed by the presence of the Holy Mother of God.  Dec 9, 5:30 PM (30 mins.)

A Kingdom Foretold, the Consecrated Life.  Experience the firsthand accounts of various Catholics who have chosen to follow Christ in a more exacting way as they share what it means to live a consecrated life.  Dec 12, 5:30 PM (30 mins.)

Friar Alessandro:  Voice of Joy.  Tenor Alessandro Brustenghi is interviewed on the upcoming release of his new album and how his growing fame has affected his life as a Franciscan friar.  Dec 13, 5:30 PM (30 mins.)

Jesus Living in Mary – The Spirituality of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.   An intimate portrait of the priest known for his complete devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, told through the stories of five witnesses who followed his path of total consecration.  Dec 14, 8:00 PM; Dec 16 1:30 AM (2 hrs.)

Also, if you missed last week's Advent reflections, you can view those here.

May God continue to bless you on our Advent journey,

Father Joseph