How can we bring God's endurance and encouragement to others this Advent? Jesus brings hope from the tree of Jesse that was foretold by Isaiah and has persisted through centuries. Our own parish apple tree is an example of regrowth and resilience for us. Let us pray daily to be a source of blessing for someone else, to be an agent of God's love.

Catholic Mass readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
Alleluia: Luke 3: 4, 6
Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12

What are you giving up this Advent? In today's homily, Father Chuck reminds us of the importance of enriching our Advent to prepare for Christ's Mass, and tells us two stories to illustrate Jesus's role as the "Good Thief". Let us make way for Jesus to show us His love by taking away our sins, and leaving us the gift of His grace.

Catholic Mass readings for the First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025

First Reading: Isaiah 2: 1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 122: 1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9
Second Reading: Romans 13: 11-14
Alleluia: Psalms 85: 8
Gospel: Matthew 24: 37-44

Listen now to consider how to give thanks to God in difficult times, as well as in delightful circumstances. Plus, hear about a delightful "God-incidence" from Fr. Chuck. He tells how the disappointment of a canceled European pilgrimage led to an uncanny East Coast encounter—at a Mass at a small mission church in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley—between him and the son and daughter-in-law of St. Elizabeth of Hungary parishioners, one of whom was the Lector at this Thanksgiving Day Mass!

Catholic Mass readings for Thanksgiving Day Mass in the United States

First Reading: Sirach 50: 22-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 113: various verses
Second Reading: First Corinthians 1: 3-9
Alleluia: 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 ["In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus."]
Gospel: Luke 17: 11-19