Know - Grow - Go

We Had Hoped

Christmas is supposed to be a season of hope — a season of joy and gladness, when everyone seems to be celebrating — and yet, sometimes in our own hearts, there is darkness. The Lord wants to give each one of us hope, especially at Christmas, but it requires openness and trust. We must be open to Him entering our lives. We must listen to His word in Scripture. We must spend time in His presence. We must allow Him to speak to our hearts. And if we do that — if we invite Him into the brokenness, the hopelessness, the darkness within us — He can cast out that darkness and give us light.   Readings at this Mass: Is 7:10–14 | Rom 1:1–7 | Mt 1:18–24

Restoration

John and his disciples in today's gospel are confused because Jesus comes bringing not retribution, but restoration. Thankfully, God doesn’t think like we do. The world’s retribution may still come for those who reject Jesus, but for those who trust him, there is healing; hope; restoration. God’s intention is that we not walk alone; that we not wander, lost in the darkness. He comes to meet us, making a path for us to restore our well-being and our wholeness. All you have to do is make some room, open your heart to God, and see what He does.   Readings at this Mass: Is 35:1–6a, 10 | Jas 5:7–10 | Mt 11:2–11

Becoming "full of grace" (Immaculate Conception)

With God, grace is eternal; it's not linear. And we, too, can become "full of grace" when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.   Readings at this Mass: Gn 3:9–15, 20 | Eph 1:3–6, 11–12 | Lk 1:26–38

Drive Out the Darkness by Confession

Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas, but also an invitation to let Christ’s light break into those dark places in our souls. If we’re honest, our lives aren’t where they should be. We are sinners; we’ve fallen short. Catholics sometimes get criticized for “guilt trips,” but the opposite is worse: pretending everything is fine and nothing is considered sinful. What we need is a reality check: yes, we do sin, but God’s grace is more powerful, and He can forgive and heal anyone no matter how deep the offense. That is the gift encompassed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.    Readings at this Mass: Is 11:1–10 | Rom 15:4–9 | Mt 3:1–12

The Triumph of the Light

Advent is a time to prepare ourselves for Christmas, to remember that Christ coming into the world is meant to drive out darkness. During these four weeks of preparation, we can join in His work by pushing back the darkness in our own lives. What can you do this Advent to drive out the darkness, even a little? Think of where it is coming from: your screens, your phone, relationships with patterns of negativity or sin? Choose one area where you will push back the darkness and stop letting it enter your life — and in your own small way, in preparation for Christ’s coming, put on the armor of light.   Readings at this Mass: Is 2:1–5 | Rom 13:11–14 | Mt 24:37–44