Reflecting Him

Daily Reflection – 12/19/2025

Sacred Scripture

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.
 Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, it fell to him by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer is heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth; for he will be great before the Lord, and he shall drink no wine nor strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
 And Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”  And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they wondered at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; and he made signs to them and remained dumb.
 And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home. After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she hid herself, saying, “Thus the Lord has done to me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” (Luke 1:5-25)

Reflection

The Gospel of Luke opens with a story that is both deeply human and profoundly divine. Zechariah and Elizabeth are described as righteous before God, faithfully walking in His commandments, yet they carry the heavy burden of barrenness. In their culture, childlessness was seen as a reproach, a mark of shame. Still, they remained steadfast in their devotion. Into this quiet perseverance, God breaks in with a promise that seems impossible: Elizabeth will bear a son, John, who will prepare the way for the Lord.

Zechariah’s response is understandable. He questions how such a miracle could occur given their advanced age. His doubt is met with silence, a divinely imposed pause that forces him to reflect, to listen, and to wait. In that silence, God’s promise begins to unfold. Elizabeth conceives, and her words echo with gratitude: “Thus the Lord has done to me… to take away my reproach among men.”

This passage invites us to consider the places of barrenness in our own lives. Perhaps our faith has felt sterile this past year. Our prayers may have been routine, our hopes dashed by disappointments, our trust weakened by unanswered petitions. Like Zechariah, we may find ourselves asking, “How shall I know this?” How can we believe that God will bring life where we see only emptiness?

Advent answers that question. It is the season when God reminds us that He specializes in bringing fertility out of sterility, hope out of despair, and joy out of silence. Just as Elizabeth’s womb was opened, so too can our hearts be opened to receive the miracle of Christ’s coming. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is an invitation to let God work miracles within us, transforming our doubt into faith and our barrenness into fruitfulness.

Yet many of us struggle to “feel” Christmas. We chase after the nostalgia of childhood, longing for the magic of simpler days. But Christmas is not about recapturing the past. It is about rediscovering faith in the present. Children believe instinctively—believe that gifts will come, that joy will arrive, that love will be shared. As adults, our faith must mature, but it must also retain that childlike trust. We believe that God has given us His Son, that He is with us in every circumstance, and that His love can break through even in the darkest moments.

That breakthrough may not come wrapped in tinsel or tradition. It may arrive in a fleeting moment: a stranger’s kindness, a spouse’s gentle touch, a burst of laughter in the midst of sorrow, or a quiet prayer answered in an unexpected way. These are the moments when God reminds us that He is real, that we are loved, and that His joy is near.

Christmas, then, is not confined to December 25th. It is whenever God’s love pierces our lives and awakens us to His presence. If you have not yet felt the spirit of the season, do not be afraid to look for it—not in nostalgia, but in faith. For Christmas is found wherever God’s love breaks through,

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus, you bring hope and restoration to your people. Restore and strengthen Christian family life today. Help me to love and serve my family. May your love rule in all my relationships and remove any barriers to peace and harmony.”

Daily Note

In the annunciation of the birth of John the Baptist, the angel explains to Zechariah the role his son is to play in preparing the way for the Messiah. John will be great in the sight of God. He will live as a Nazarite (see Numbers 6) – a person set apart for the Lord. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even within his mother’s womb. And he shall be sent to the people of God, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of fathers and children to God and one another, by turning the “disobedient to the wisdom of the just.” The name John means “the Lord is gracious”. When God acts to save us he graciously fills us with his Holy Spirit and makes our faith “alive” to his promises. Do you pray that “the hearts of parents and children may be turned to God and one another”?

Daily Reflection – 12/18/2025

Sacred Scripture

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus. (Matthew 1:18-25)

Reflection

Matthew’s Gospel presents us with a moment of profound tension and transformation in the life of Joseph. He is described as a “righteous man,” unwilling to expose Mary to shame, yet deeply troubled by the news that she is with child. His world—his faith, his ethics, his expectations—was shaken. In that moment of uncertainty, Joseph models for us the struggle between human reasoning and divine invitation. He considered the law, weighed his reputation, and wrestled with what seemed right. But then, in the quiet of a dream, God broke through. An angel spoke, calling Joseph to trust, to yield, and to step into a story far greater than himself.

Joseph’s response is remarkable. He awoke and obeyed. He let go of fear, of doubt, of his own standing in the community. He surrendered his personal hopes for marriage and family, and instead embraced God’s plan. In doing so, Joseph emptied himself—making room for God’s will to take root. His obedience was not passive resignation but active faith. He chose to trust that God’s purposes, though mysterious, were good. That act of yielding changed not only his life but the course of salvation history. The threads of God’s plan, woven long before Joseph’s birth, continue to touch lives more than two millennia later.

This passage challenges us to consider how often we resist God’s plan because we cling to our own. We rely on our “tried-and-true” ways, our rigid definitions of right and wrong, our self-imposed certainties. Yet Joseph shows us that true righteousness is not found in rigid adherence to the law but in openness to God’s living word. Faith requires listening—to the whispers of God in scripture, to the sacraments that nourish us, to the beauty and grace that surround us daily. Yielding to God means loosening our grip on anger, resentment, and judgment. It means refusing to spread untruths or malicious words. These things harden us, isolate us, and close us off from love. When we are closed, we cannot receive the gift of Emmanuel—God with us.

Christmas reminds us that God’s presence is not abstract but incarnate. Emmanuel means that God enters into our human realities: birth and joy, struggle and confusion, peace and reconciliation. Christmas is a gift—given freely, meant to be shared, sometimes requiring effort to live out. In prayer, we receive peace. In kindness, we share its joy. In our work for forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice, we make Christmas alive in the world. Like Joseph, we are invited to trust that even when life disrupts our plans, God is in control. We may not understand, but we can yield. And in yielding, we find strength to survive and thrive.

The lasting gift of Christmas is not confined to a season. It is the abiding presence of Christ, Emmanuel, with us now and forever. Joseph’s obedience reminds us that when we let go of ourselves and trust God, we step into a story far greater than we could imagine—a story of love, redemption, and eternal life.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus, you came to save us from sin and the power of death. May I always rejoice in your salvation and trust in your divine plan for my life.”

Daily Note

During these last few days of the Advent season, may you and I hear a word from that inner place, a word that banishes all fear and encourages us to take one tiny leap of action to draw nearer to something we do not fully understand. Emmanuel is God with us: do not be afraid.

Daily Reflection – 12/15/2025

Sacred Scripture

When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” Jesus said to them in reply, “I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things. Where was John’s baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?” They discussed this among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘Of heavenly origin,’ he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” So they said to Jesus in reply, “We do not know.” He himself said to them, “Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things. (Matthew 21:23-27)

Reflection

Today, we encounter a tense exchange between Jesus and the chief priests and elders. They demand to know by what authority He teaches and acts. Jesus, in turn, asks them about the baptism of John—was it from heaven or of human origin? Their inability to answer exposes their fear, their concern for reputation, and their lack of understanding of true authority. They are trapped in the logic of power, not the freedom of divine permission.

Authority, in the biblical sense, is not about domination or control. It is not the ability to bend others to our will. Authority is permission—God’s permission to act on His behalf, to be agents of His kingdom, to release life and potential in others. Jesus embodies this perfectly. He does not coerce; He invites. He does not demand service; He serves. His authority is rooted in love, in the desire to empower others to become fully alive, fully themselves, fully children of God.

The priests and elders missed this clue. They equated authority with social standing, with the privileges of their office, with the ability to protect their own interests. But Jesus shows that genuine authority is exercised for the sake of others. It is always outward‑looking, always life‑giving. In the exercise of power, we seek our own advantage. In the exercise of authority, we seek the flourishing of others.

Think of those who have held true authority in your life. They are not the ones who controlled or dominated you. They are the ones who inspired you, who opened new horizons, who called forth gifts you did not know you had. They expanded your world, gave you courage, and helped you live differently. That is the authority of Jesus—an authority that liberates, empowers, and transforms.

Every day, God authorizes us to enter His vineyard. He shares His authority with us, sending us into the world to act in His name, to bring life, hope, and healing. No one is without authority. The difference lies in whether we recognize and exercise it. God waits for us to see the authority He has given us, to embrace it, and to live it out.

Yet when we look at our world, we see how often this authority has been rejected or distorted. Too many have twisted the words of Jesus to suit their prejudices or ambitions. Too many have turned faith into a marketplace, bartering prayers for favors, treating God as a transaction rather than a Father. This is not the authority of Christ. It is the misuse of power.

So the question remains: What do we care about? Are we like religious leaders, concerned with reputation, privilege, and comfort? Or do we care about the honor of God, who authorizes us to live His words and work in His vineyard? The invitation is clear. The authority has been given. The only question is our response. Will we say, with courage and faith, “I will”?

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus Christ, you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let your light shine in my heart and in my mind that I may grow in understanding the truth of your word and find joy and freedom in living according to it.”

Daily Note

The coming of God’s kingdom or reign on the earth inevitably leads to conflict – a conflict of allegiance to God’s will or my will, God’s justice or the world’s way of playing fair, God’s standard of absolute moral truth or truth relative to what I want to believe is good and useful for the time being. Jesus promises that those who seek to live according to God’s truth will find true joy, freedom, and happiness both now and forever.

Daily Reflection – 12/12/2025

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare this generation? It is like children who sit in marketplaces and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance, we sang a dirge but you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” (Matthew 11: 16-19)

Reflection

Jesus paints a vivid picture of children in the marketplace, frustrated because their companions refuse to respond to their tunes. Whether they play the flute or the dirge, the others remain unmoved. This parable is more than a quaint image; it is a piercing critique of a generation that insists on setting the terms of engagement with God. They want to dictate the rhythm, expecting others—and even the Lord’s messengers—to conform to their preferences. Yet Jesus reveals that true discipleship is not about bending heaven to our will, but about attuning ourselves to the divine melody already being played.

The people of Jesus’ time criticized John the Baptist for his ascetic fasting, labeling him too severe. Then, when Jesus came feasting and rejoicing, they condemned him for associating with tax collectors and sinners. Their inconsistency revealed a deeper resistance: they did not want to yield to God’s initiative. They wanted God to dance to their tune, rather than learning to move to his.

We too often try to orchestrate our relationship with the Lord according to our moods and desires. Sometimes we play sentimental ballads, hoping God will simply soothe our emotions. Other times we strike up a militant march, demanding that he whip others into shape. At times we drown out his gentle whisper with the noise of our own ambitions, or we refuse to play any music at all, sulking in silence or being frustrated because we believe God doesn’t hear us. In each case, we attempt to control the encounter, forgetting that discipleship means surrendering to the music God himself composes.

Isaiah reminds us of God’s promise: “I, the Lord, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go.” The Lord is the true conductor, guiding us into harmony with his will. Our task is not to instruct him on how life should unfold, but to allow him to teach and lead us.

Jesus invites us to approach him with the simplicity of children—transparent, sincere, and receptive. Children instinctively recognize the difference between a dirge and a dance. Likewise, we are called to discern the Lord’s movements and respond with humility. When we listen with his ears and see with his eyes, we allow his presence to transform our lives here and now.

That is not as difficult as it sounds. The first step lies in surrendering or turning over our lives to God. In this season, the best example of this is Mary’s respond to the angel that appeared to her. “Let it be done according to your will.” We too must learn to trust the Lord, to believe that He is always at our side, that he will protect us always. It takes practice and it takes using silence to hear the Lord speaking to us. We need to learn to be who we are – sons and daughters of God. As you would any parent, you love, you listen and you follow,. He wants only that. For us to listen to Him.

If we yield to the Lord’s music, we will prosper spiritually like a river, steady and life‑giving. But if we insist on remaining in control, we risk becoming weightless, tossed about by whims, devoid of holy solidity.

True joy and freedom come when we stop playing our own songs and begin to move to the music of the Lord.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus, open my ears to hear the good news of your kingdom and set my heart free to love and serve you joyfully. May nothing keep me from following you wholeheartedly.

Daily Note

What can make us spiritually dull and slow to hear God’s voice? Like the generation of Jesus’ time, our age is marked by indifference and contempt, especially in regards to the things of heaven. Indifference dulls our ears to God’s voice and to the good news of the Gospel. Only the humble of heart can find joy and favor in God’s sight. Is your life in tune with Jesus’ message of hope and salvation? And do you know the joy and blessing of believing and obeying God’s word?

Daily Reflection – 12/11/2025

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to the crowds: “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. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Matthew 11:11-15)

Reflection

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11). With these words, Jesus Christ bestows upon John the Baptist the highest compliment imaginable: recognition from the Supreme Himself. What was it about John that drew such praise? It was not wealth, power, or prestige. Rather, it was John’s radical humility and unwavering devotion to pointing others toward Christ. His greatness lay in his refusal to make the mission about himself. He lived and preached with the singular purpose of preparing hearts for the One who was greater.

John’s ministry was marked by self‑effacement. He reminded his listeners again and again that he was not the Messiah, but only the voice crying out in the wilderness. His role was to prepare the way, to clear the path, to awaken people to the coming of Christ. In this, John models for us the essence of discipleship: to recognize that our lives are not about our own glory but about participating in God’s greater mission. His greatness was not in what he accomplished for himself but in how faithfully he yielded to God’s plan.

Jesus Himself defines that mission in Luke 4:18–19, echoing Isaiah: to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to captives, release to prisoners, and announce a year of favor from the Lord. This is the heart of Christ’s ministry, and John’s greatness was in preparing others to embrace it. To follow Christ is to accept that we are part of something larger than ourselves, a mission that connects our thoughts, actions, and lives to one another in profound ways.

Yet this vision is not easy to accept. It stretches us beyond the comfort of our own families and dreams. Jesus calls us to enlarge our vision—to see the families of the poor as our own, to identify with the dreams of prisoners, to stand with those held captive by hate and prejudice. To live this way requires courage: courage to confront the causes of poverty, courage to enter into the painful debates about racism, courage to open our hearts to immigrants rather than exclude them. It requires us to recognize that the joys of another are our joys, and the pain of another is our pain. To be connected to the Greater means being connected to the smallest among us.

This reflection forces us to ask: which kingdom do we belong to? The kingdom of the secular world, with its emphasis on self‑interest and division? Or the kingdom of God, which calls us to interconnectedness, humility, and love? If we choose the latter, then we must act as if we truly believe it. That means sublimating our ego, yielding to God’s will, and allowing Him to direct our path. John the Baptist’s greatness was precisely this: he got out of the way so that Christ could be revealed.

When we open ourselves to God’s will, even the simplest actions of our lives take on deeper meaning. A word of kindness, a gesture of compassion, a stand for justice—all become part of God’s plan to love and serve the world. This is the life worth living: a life not centered on self but on Christ, a life that participates in the mission of healing, liberation, and love. Like John, we are called to prepare the way, to point beyond ourselves, and to live as witnesses to the kingdom of God.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, today by your grace I will strive to hear what you are inspiring in my life, and give you the freedom and the space to act beyond my expectations: I surrender to you. Take care of everything. “

Daily Note

Richard Rohr once said: “If it is true that our relationship to God in heaven is not about us, it is also true that our relationship to God on earth is not about us. When I say that it is not about us, I am not saying that we are inconsequential or worthless. God has given us real talents and abilities and expects us to use them. God has made us sons and daughters and given us great value. But when I say that our relationship to God is not about us, I am saying that God’s role and God’s action are primary. We play a supporting role. It is not about our plans. It is about God’s plan. It is not about our power. It is about God’s power. It is not about our glory. It is about God’s glory.

Daily Reflection – 12/9/2025

Keepers Of The Tabernacle

Faith Series

Sacred Scripture

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. (Matthew 18:12-14)

Reflection

The parable of the lost sheep is a familiar and deeply comforting one. We picture Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who values every single member of his flock. If even one of a hundred sheep goes astray, he leaves the ninety-nine safely in the hills and goes searching for the one who is lost. He doesn’t rest until it is found.

This powerful image reveals the depth of God’s personal and relentless mercy. It is not His will that even one person should be lost. He cares for each of us so profoundly that His desire is not for judgment, but for forgiveness and restoration.

This story of the Good Shepherd is a cornerstone of our faith. We find solace in knowing that Jesus will seek us out when we wander, carrying us close to his heart and leading us with tender care. He is the shepherd who lays down his life for his flock, demonstrating a love that knows no bounds. It’s a truth we can hold onto in times of doubt and distance.

However, there is another layer to this scripture, one that invites us to see ourselves not just as the sheep, but also as the shepherd. Think about your own life. Are you not a shepherd of a hundred different things? Many of us are juggling numerous responsibilities. The demands of work, the needs of our children, the effort to nurture a marriage, the commitments to friends, and the countless other tasks can feel like a flock of a hundred sheep. Amid managing it all, it is almost inevitable that we might lose track of one.

When we realize that something or someone precious has gone missing from our lives, this gospel prompts us to act. What is the valuable thing you may have lost? Perhaps it is a relationship, fractured by a misunderstanding or a painful word. It could be a friend who drifted away so quietly you didn’t notice their absence until it was stark. Maybe you once had a deep sense of joy or enthusiasm that has since been misplaced while you were tending to other urgent matters. Has a passion or a sense of purpose slipped through your fingers?

The scripture asks us a crucial question: What are we willing to do to find what we have lost? Perhaps today is the day to pick up the phone and reconnect with a friend you haven’t spoken to in far too long. This could be the moment to test the waters of forgiveness with a family member, to see if healing is possible. Today might be the day we decide to actively practice love and compassion, allowing those virtues to guide us back to a place of wholeness.

Of course, there is no promise that our search will be successful. The friend may not answer, and the hurt may be too deep to mend immediately. But the gospel doesn’t demand success; it asks us to try. It assures us that if we do find what we have lost, our joy will be immense – a joy so great that we would want to gather our loved ones and celebrate. Imagine saying, “Rejoice with me, for I thought this friendship was gone forever. I thought I would never feel that spark of joy again. But I have found my lost sheep.”

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, help me to know and love Your gentle voice throughout my daily life.  May that voice overwhelm all others that compete for my attention.  I choose You, dear Lord, as my one Shepherd and guide.  Jesus, I trust in You.”

Daily Note

We should be thankful for what God has given to us. Our shepherd has provided for us. We have food. We are safe. And, yes, we have one another. Moreover, if we are successful in being people of integrity, generosity, and service, then those are gifts from God as well. To live as he taught us means that we learn to use those gifts so that we can forgive and learn to love as He loves us.

Daily Reflection – 12/8/2025

Sacred Scripture

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.( Luke 1:26-38)

Reflection

In the quiet town of Nazareth, a young woman named Mary receives a visit that will alter the course of human history. The angel Gabriel’s appearance to Mary, as told in Luke 1:26-38, is a story that invites us to move from who we think we are to what God calls us to be. It challenges us to journey from being simply an observant believer to becoming a confessing apostle of divine truth.

This encounter does more than just transform Mary; it demands that we acknowledge a profound transformation in God’s relationship with humanity. It is no small journey to shift our perception from an all-powerful God in heaven to God in a manger—vulnerable, helpless, and completely dependent. The Annunciation is the moment this divine thread is woven into the fabric of human life, forever changing it. Every womb and every tomb is touched by this sacred intersection of the divine and the human. The content of Gabriel’s visit gives meaning to everything in Jesus’ life, everything he does, and everything he is.

Mary’s faith and purity of heart made her receptive to God’s truth. She accepted the angel’s message and all its life-altering implications. Her plans were radically and completely changed in an instant. She was able to embrace this unforeseen future because she had already internalized a core doctrine that we too often forget, a truth Gabriel reminded her of: “Nothing is impossible for God.” This simple, powerful statement gave her the courage to proceed into the unknown.

From Mary, we can learn life’s greatest lesson: how to say yes to God. Her simple, yet profound, “yes” reversed the effects of Eve’s “no” in the garden. Her consent paved the way for Christ to enter the world and begin the work of undoing Adam’s fall. In the same way, God disrupts our own lives. He asks us to say “yes.” He speaks through the voice of our conscience, the daily responsibilities of our vocation, and the teachings of our faith. When we respond with a “yes,” we echo Mary’s fiat and make more room for Christ in our world. But when we answer with a “no,” or even a hesitant “maybe,” we risk shutting him out.

That “yes” is to put God first in the way He lives in our lives. It is a willingness to so trust Him that we say “yes” to having Him lead us down His path. That “yes” says that we trust Him in all things, knowing that when we do, His love, care and protection will provide for our well being and those whom we love.

God is calling each of us. His invitation to be one with Him patiently waits for a response from our hearts. Do we choose Him as an active part of our daily lives? Do we trust Him, love Him, and share Him with others as He gave His Son to us?

Prayer of The Day

“Heavenly Father, Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified “yes” to your will and plan for my life.”

Daily Note

With the Annunciation God promises to interrupt our lives. Hidden within every womb and every tomb is Gabriel’s announcement, “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you” (Lk. 1:28). Gabriel’s words echo in our wombs and in our tombs interrupting our lives with Life. That’s the necessary interruption. That’s the interruption we yearn for. That’s the interruption we seek and for which we are desperate. That’s the interruption we so need in our daily lives. He is with us. He asks only that we share His love in the conduct of our lives. He asks only that we become Followers of His Way.

Daily Reflection – 12/5/2025

Sacred Scripture

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed [him], crying out, “Son of David, have pity on us!” When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they said to him. Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. (Matthew 9:27-31)

Reflection

In Matthew 9:27-31, we encounter two blind men who cry out to Jesus, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” Their plea is simple yet profound, rooted in a recognition of who Jesus is and what He can do. But before granting their request, Jesus asks them a pivotal question: “Do you believe that I can do this?” Their response, “Yes, Lord,” is a declaration of faith that unlocks the miracle they so desperately need.

This moment is a powerful reminder that faith is not just about acknowledging God’s existence but about trusting in His power and submitting to His will. Faith, as Scripture teaches, is a gift from God, but it requires our active participation. It must be intertwined with trust—a willingness to step out in belief, even when the outcome is uncertain. The blind men’s faith was tested and strengthened as they approached Jesus with hope and confidence. Their healing was not just physical but spiritual, as they were brought into the light of God’s kingdom.

The question Jesus posed to them—“Do you believe that I can do this?”—is one He asks each of us. It’s a question that cuts to the heart of our relationship with God. Do we truly believe in His power to transform our lives? Do we trust Him enough to surrender our fears, doubts, and self-reliance? Faith requires action. It’s not something we can fully grasp by standing still or waiting for proof. As the reflection notes, “We have to step out in faith to know faith.” This is not a paradox but a truth that challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and into the arms of a loving God.

Blindness, in this passage, is both literal and symbolic. While Jesus restores the physical sight of these men, He also addresses a deeper blindness—the inability to see and trust in God’s power and mercy. Many of us struggle with spiritual blind spots. Perhaps we are too self-sufficient, believing we can navigate life on our own. Or maybe we hesitate to trust God fully, waiting for tangible proof before we commit. These blind spots keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and the freedom He offers.

Jesus’ mission was, and still is, to heal the blind—not just those who cannot see with their eyes but those who cannot see with their hearts. When we allow Him to guide us, we are led out of darkness and into the light of His truth. Like the two blind men, we are invited to encounter God’s love in a transformative way. This requires humility, dependence, and a willingness to say, “Yes, Lord.”

God’s desire is to change and transform our lives, to set us free as His beloved children. He calls us to live with confident expectation, trusting that He will fulfill His promises and bring us into the fullness of His kingdom—a kingdom marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Let us examine our hearts for any blind spots that hinder our faith and respond to Jesus’ question with the same boldness: “Yes, Lord, I believe.”

Prayer of The Day

“Lord, help me to draw near to you with confidence and trust in your saving power and mercy. Free me from doubt and unbelief that I may approach you confidently and pray boldly with expectant faith. Let your kingdom come and may your will be done in me.”

Daily Note

Reaching out to Jesus and following him is not about physical sight alone. It is also about hope and faith.

Advent is about hope and faith in the Messiah’s coming and action among us. We must not lose hope in Jesus entering into our world and into our lives. Like the two blind men we have to trust that we are not waiting in vain.

Daily Devotion – 12/4/2025

Sacred Scripture

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.” (Matthew 7:21, 24-27)

Reflection

Words have a powerful effect. They can build up, they can destroy. They can be true, they can be false.

We all know it and we all have experienced it. Words dripping with honey but when we taste them, they are bitter. Words spoken in praise of God but there is nothing behind them. Words preaching equality for all while hiding the sour taste of actions that are anything but. Words spoken in Church which mask a life that denies the very meaning of Christianity.

Words that are not matched by action.

St Ignatius wrote that love is found in deeds rather than in words. Our action speaks far more volumes than our words. No matter how many times we go to our churches to worship God and as long as it is superficial it has no meaning. We can fall on our knees every day in prayer but as soon as we rise, our language and criticism of others and their actions bespeak the rage in our hearts. Jesus tells us that is the type of “house” which will be washed away. A true working faith is something that bears witness to Jesus long after we get up off our knees.

There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved, and that is by one’s practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we are tested. Do you cheat on an exam or on your income taxes, especially when it will cost you?  Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you injury or embarrassment? A true person is honest and reliable before God, one’s neighbor and oneself. 

Christian words spoken without Christ, without a relationship with Christ, without love for Jesus Christ are meaningless. Here is something we need to hold onto: It’s not what we do in the name of the Lord that matters; it’s what the Lord does in our life. When we step aside from our pride, our vanity, our pettiness and let His love open our hearts and build a foundation, then and only then will we know the peace of Christ. Then and only then have we built the foundations of our hearts on solid rock. Then and only then will be become truly Christian. Then and only then will our words and actions be in concert with His love.

We need to be sure that our faith is solidly anchored on the rock that is Jesus or whether is it still shakily planted in the sand?

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus, give me the wisdom, foresight, and strength of character I need to do what is right and good and to reject whatever is false and contrary to your will. May I be a doer of your word and not a hearer only”.

Daily Note

To be a follower of Jesus means that behaviors and actions–the manner in which we live out our daily lives–are the artifacts of the inner life of faith. More to the point, mere words, performance of deeds, even miraculous ones done in the name of Jesus, or random deeds of mercy will not affect one’s eternal destiny. Religiosity will not help either. It’s only when our deeds driven by a Christ filled heart are matched by our hearts.

Daily Reflection – 12/2/2025

Sacred Scripture

At that very moment he rejoiced [in] the Holy Spirit and said, “I give you praise, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him.” Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” (Luke 10:21-24)

Reflection

In this passage from the Gospel of Luke, we are given a beautiful glimpse into the heart of Jesus. He is filled with joy and thanks His Father for revealing divine wisdom not to the proud or learned, but to the childlike. This is a moment of sweetness, joy, and tenderness—a moment that invites us to discover how we, too, can know and experience God in our daily lives.

Think of a small child playing with a set of blocks. His mind is innocent and open, free from any filters or preconceived notions of what is right or wrong. He builds whatever his imagination dreams up, seeing a world of endless possibilities. With focused determination and a quiet joy, he plays without pretense and with simple trust, never doubting that he is safe and cared for as he builds.

That is the very essence of what Jesus celebrated. He rejoiced that the Father had “hidden these things from the wise and the learned (and) revealed them to the childlike.” Jesus felt close to those who possessed a simplicity of heart, for it is the childlike—like small children playing freely—who are able to truly see the kingdom of God right in front of them. They see purely, without pretense, and acknowledge their complete dependence and trust in someone greater, wiser, and more trustworthy.

Simplicity of heart naturally goes hand in hand with humility. While pride separates us from God and is often at the root of our struggles, humility creates the fertile ground where God’s grace can take root and grow. When we are humble, we turn our hearts toward the truth, making space for God to work in us. A humble heart recognizes its dependence on God, acknowledges the need for His help, and opens itself to prayer and a deeper, more genuine relationship with Him.

Let’s return to the model of a child again. Think of a child who stumbles, scrapes his knee, and instinctively runs to his mother for comfort. He does not try to hide his hurt or pretend to be unaffected; instead, he trusts completely in his mother’s loving embrace. In this same way, when we remember our own smallness compared to God’s immense, loving goodness, we allow ourselves to bring our hurts, failures, and imperfections to Him. If we let Him, God will tenderly wipe away our tears and heal the wounds caused by our mistakes. It is in this honest surrender—placing ourselves in God’s gentle and forgiving hands—that we truly begin to know the depth of His love.

In His own life, Jesus shows us what it means to love God with a pure and undivided heart, and to extend that love freely to others. Through His compassion, His tenderness, and His willingness to lay down His life for us, He reveals the depth of God’s care for each of us. In following Jesus, we discover a model of complete trust and joyful surrender, teaching us how to enter into the sweet, joyful, and tender relationship God desires to share with us.

While our culture often praises strength, independence, and self-reliance, the path to God calls for something different. It is the heart that is dependent, open, and trusting—like that of a child—that can truly come to know God and receive the fullness of His love. In embracing this posture of humility and trust, we discover the sweetness, joy, and tender relationship with God that our souls deeply long for.

Prayer of The Day

“Lord Jesus, give me the child-like simplicity and purity of faith to gaze upon your face with joy and confidence in your all-merciful love. Remove every doubt, fear, and proud thought which would hinder me from receiving your word with trust and humble submission.”

Daily Note

Children have a deeper sense of wonder, openness and trust. When the Father reveals Himself to children, I think He is saying that the truth, the Good News and mission is simple, uncomplicated and accessible to all of us.

It seems the younger we are, the more comfortable we are being our natural selves. As we mature, we put up mental walls to protect ourselves. We change our behavior to please others in the hope that it saves us from strife.

If we could all try to be as natural as a child more often, perhaps we could clear the barriers and receive more of God’s grace.