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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.)

May God continue to bless you on our Advent journey,

Father Joseph

Week 2: Prepare the way of the Lord!

Advent Devotionals from Father Joseph

Today is Gaudete Sunday―a time of rejoicing in anticipation of the birth of Christ.  And rejoice we should, for we read in today’s Scriptures about the power of God to transform the barren deserts of our lives into gardens with His saving and healing presence:

First reading: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10
Psalm: 146: 6-10
Second reading: James 5: 7-10
Gospel: St. Matthew 11: 2-11 

Here is a link to today's readings.

In the rose-colored vestments of Gaudete Sunday, we perceive the beauty of God who is worthy of our hope and trust.   Our first reading from Isaiah proclaims how God creates new life in unexpected places so that “the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the lily it shall blossom abundantly” (Is 35:1-2) 

The great Mother of God, Mary Most Holy, is the model of faith in God’s promise to bring new life to His people.   I think of Our Lady after the Annunciation, when she visited her cousin Elizabeth, sharing her joyous news of motherhood in impossible circumstances. Both women live out their trust that indeed “nothing shall be impossible for God.” Elizabeth’s words to Mary resonate:  “Blessed is she who believed there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord!” (Lk 1:45)

 This week, please ask yourself: how is the Lord speaking to you in this season before Christ’s birth?   In what ways might He be promising to turn the desert of your life into a fruitful garden, thanks to the birth of our Savior?   

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

EWTN Family Christmas Special.   Enjoy the sacred music of Christmas as performed by the EWTN Choir, with commentary on the spiritual riches of the Season by Fr. Joseph.  Dec. 17, 5:00 PM; Dec 19, 10:30 PM; Dec 22, Midnight; Dec. 24, 6:00 PM; Dec. 25, 2:00 PM and Dec. 26, 1:00 PM (60 mins.)

Keep Christ in Christmas, a Catholics Come Home Special Presentation.  Go behind the scenes for a special look at the making of this inspiring Catholics Come Home “evangomercial” to help families stay focused on Christ during the holiday season.  Dec 18, 5:00 PM; Dec 22 8:30 PM (30 mins.)

An EWTN Holy Land Experience:  Christmas.  Delve into the mysteries of the Incarnation as Fr Joseph and Fr. Mark journey to sites throughout Bethlehem for an unforgettable Christmas experience.  Dec. 18, 6:30 PM; Dec 24, 9:00 PM (30 mins.)

Savoring our Faith Christmas Special.  Share a favorite Christmas meal with Fr. Leo Patalinghug and his special guest Fr. Patrick Mary as they mix great holiday recipes with reflections on the Birth of Our Lord.  Dec 20, 6:30 PM; Dec 21, 4:00 AM (30 mins.)

May God continue to bless you as we journey together this Advent,

Father Joseph

Week 3: The desert shall rejoice and blossom!

The beautiful weeks of our Advent preparations have flown by.  

In the remaining days before the birth of Our Savior, our longing for God becomes more urgent.   

First reading: Isaiah 7: 10-14
Psalm: 24: 1-6
Second reading: Romans 1: 1-7
Gospel:  St. Matthew 1: 18-24 

Here is a link to today's readings.

Who is this One we have awaited?

He is the Son of God, the Word made flesh, who has come to teach us and to save us through his Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension.

The Preface at Mass lyrically says:

“For all the oracles of the prophets foretold him,
the Virgin Mother longed for him
with love beyond all telling,
John the Baptist sang of his coming,
and proclaimed his presence when he came. 

It is by his gift that already we rejoice
at the mystery of his Nativity,
so that he may find us watchful at prayer
and exultant in his praise.”

Let us pray for each other as we await, with love and longing, the birth of our Savior―Emmanuel – “God with us.”

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

Life on the Rock Cenacolo Christmas Special:  Rejoicing in Hope.  A glimpse into the daily life of Comunita Cenacolo, a ministry dedicated to healing young adults with addictions.  Interviews include coordinators and participants, along with joyful music performed by Kara Klein and members of Comunita Cenacolo.  Dec 22, 4:30 PM; Dec 23, 5:30 AM (90 mins.) 

Mother Angelica Live Classics: A Christmas Message.  In this important teaching lesson, Mother Angelica reflects on the meaning of Christmas as she shares how God’s Word became flesh in Jesus, showing us the value of life. Dec 23, 10:00 AM (60 mins.)

Mother Angelica Live Classics:  What Will You Give Christ for Christmas?  The wisdom of Mother Angelica lives on as she asks Catholics to remember not only Jesus but His Mother Mary as well, when deciding what gifts to give this Christmas.  Dec 24, 10:00 AM (60 mins.)

The Promise.  A touching and insightful dramatization looking inside the Gospel events relating to the Annunciation and the birth of Christ.  Dec 24, 5:30 pm; Dec 26, 11:00 PM (30 mins.)

May God richly bless you this Christmas,  

Father Joseph

Week 4: Already we rejoice at the mystery of his Nativity!