Second Week of Advent - Week Day Readings

Monday, December 8, 2025

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120825.cfm

151. THE GREATEST YES (LK 1:26-38)

“Therefore, though it is God who takes the initiative of coming to dwell in the midst of men, and he is always the main architect of this plan, it is also true that he does not will to carry it out without our active cooperation.”

- Pope Benedict XVI

Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you,’ the angel answered, ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary; ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

CHRIST THE LORD Of whom can it be said, “His reign will have no end”? Only of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the son of David (from whose descendents the promised Messiah was to be born), and the only man ever born of a virgin. Gabriel’s brief announcement to Mary foretells the advent of someone absolutely unique: the Davidic king who will rule over all the nations, the one who would save mankind from their sins (“Jesus” means “God saves”), and the one who would fulfill all the Old Testament prophecies about the reunification of Israel and Judah (the “House of Jacob”). The entire Gospel is packed into this Annunciation of the Archangel Gabriel to Mary.

It is a Gospel that at times is hard to believe. Sometimes it seems almost too good to be true – too simple, too easy. On the other hand, when the sufferings and tragedies of life and the tumultuous twists and turns of human history oppress us, it seems more like a fairy tale, a pipe dream. For Mary too the announcement was almost overwhelming. But her faith and purity sensitized her to God’s truth. She accepted the angel’s message and all its implications for her own life – a radical, unforeseen change in her plans. She was able to do so because she had long ago assimilated a doctrine we too often ignore, one that Gabriel reminded her of: “Nothing is impossible for God.”

CHRIST THE TEACHER Christmas, the part of Christ’s life this Gospel passage is connected to, presents us with the mystery of God who became man, but it also includes the mystery of man cooperating in the saving action of God. God sends his messenger to Mary in order to invite her to become the mother of the Savior. She accepted the invitation, and history has never been the same. But it would have been possible for her to reject it. Like the parable Christ tells of the many townspeople who decline the king’s invitation to attend his son’s wedding feast, Mary could have considered God’s intervention just a disruption of her plans, an inconvenience. But she did not.

When God asked her to take on a role in his plan of salvation, she said yes: “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let what you have said be done to me.” Her question to the

archangel, “But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?” was different than the similar sounding question Zechariah had posed: “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.” Zechariah was asking for proof that God could do what he promised; Mary was merely asking what God wanted her to do – she had promised her virginity to God, and she wanted to know if God was asking her something else. She didn’t doubt God’s wisdom or power; she just wanted more instructions. This is why the angel’s response to her was generous, while his response to Zechariah was harsh. Zechariah answered God’s call by saying, “Prove it to me”; Mary answered saying, “Show me the way to go.”

We can learn no greater lesson than how to say yes to God. Mary’s “yes” reversed Eve’s “no,” and paved the way for Christ’s undoing of Adam’s fall. Likewise, when God disrupts our lives – through the voice of conscience, the normal responsibilities and demands of our state in life, or the indications of Church teaching – our “yes” can echo Mary’s and make more room for Christ in this fallen world. But our “no” – or even our “maybe” – can just as easily shut him out.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Many friends exchange gifts, but only Christ has given us his own mother, to be our solace and our refuge as we strive to follow in his footsteps.

As he was dying on the cross, Jesus entrusted his mother to the care of his “beloved disciple,” and he entrusted the disciple to her care: “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, behold, your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Behold, your mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home” (John 19:26-27).

From its earliest days, the Church has interpreted this passage in a deeply spiritual way: since Jesus has desired to have us as his brothers and sisters, he has also desired to share with us his mother, to give us a mother in the order of grace. Through the ages, Christians in all walks of life have been inspired by Mary’s example, comforted by her spiritual solicitude, and aided by her heavenly intercession. Wherever one finds true devotion to Mary (which consists primarily in the imitation of her “yes” to God, not just in pious expressions and pretty pictures), one finds as well a passionate love for Jesus Christ, the Savior. She accompanied him on every step of his earthly sojourn, and she accompanies his little brothers and sisters (that’s us) with equal love and concern.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE Thank you for making me a Christian. You are the one Savior, the promised Messiah, and your Kingdom will have no end. You have called me into your Kingdom. What more could I ask for? You have given me your friendship. Lord, teach me to live closer to you, to have the same scale of values that you have, and to see all things with your eyes.

Mary, you were just a girl when God came and invited you to be the mother of the Savior. Even then you knew that God’s will was the highest and wisest calling. You didn’t fear missing out on all that the world had to offer, because you only wanted to stay close to the world’s Creator. Teach me to trust and love Christ, and teach me to give him to others, as you gave him to us.

How strange, Lord, that you made the history of salvation depend not only on your own actions, but also on the free cooperation of your creatures! You waited for Mary to say yes before coming to be our Savior. You wait for each of us to say yes before coming to save us. I renew my “yes” right now. Teach me to help others say yes too; only what I do for your Kingdom will last forever.

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in this passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. What can we do to renew our appreciation of the wonderful miracle of Christmas, which we so often take for granted?

3. How can we benefit more from Mary’s motherly interest in our Christian discipleship?

4. Christ asked something difficult from Mary. Do you think she ever regretted her answer? Do you know anyone else who has said yes to something difficult that God asked of them?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 484-507 on the privileges and role of Mary in Christ’s Kingdom; 456-478 on the mission and uniqueness of Jesus Christ, Son of God and man

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Tuesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120925.cfm

56. GREAT AND LITTLE (MT 18:1-14)

“As God sees the world tottering to ruin because of fear, he acts unceasingly to bring it back by love, to invite it by grace, to hold it by charity and clasp it firmly with affection.”

- St Peter Chrysologus

Matthew 18:1-14

At this time the disciples came to Jesus and said, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ So he called a little child to him and set the child in front of them. Then he said, ‘I tell you solemnly, unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. And so, the one who makes himself as little as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But anyone who is an obstacle to bring down one of these little ones who have faith in me would be better

drowned in the depths of the sea with a great millstone round his neck. Alas for the world that there should be such obstacles! Obstacles indeed there must be, but alas for the man who provides them! ‘If your hand or your foot should cause you to sin, cut it off and throw it away: it is better for you to enter into life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire. And if your eye should cause you to sin, tear it out and throw it away: it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, than to have two eyes and be thrown into the hell of fire. ‘See that you never despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven are continually in the presence of my Father in heaven.3

‘Tell me. Suppose a man has a hundred sheep and one of them strays; will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hillside and go in search of the stray? I tell you solemnly, if he finds it, it gives him more joy than do the ninety-nine that did not stray at all. Similarly, it is never the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.’

CHRIST THE LORD Great leaders look for great lieutenants. Every Charlemagne has his Alcuin, every Alexander the Great his Lysimachus; what King doesn’t want to surround himself with the most intelligent, intrepid, imposing, good-looking, and powerful assistants? This one! Christ doesn’t look for what the world looks for. His Kingdom is built on stronger stuff. The saints don’t become saints because they are eloquent, gorgeous, bright, or athletic. They become saints because they discover God’s love and let it conquer their hearts. Jesus taught this lesson before, back in Chapter 11; now he drives it home. To find the true meaning of life and unleash your true potential requires trusting in God more than in yourself, letting God’s grace flow through and maximize your natural talents.

As the Lord continues preparing his first lieutenants, then, he wants to be as clear as possible: the Church is the family of God, not a political party; the leaders of the Church must be like Christ, meek and humble of heart, so they can in turn teach others the true path to self-fulfillment now and in eternity: forgetting oneself.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus uses some powerful language in his discussion of sin and temptation. The image of cutting off one’s hand or foot, or gouging out one’s eye is not meant to be taken literally – although throughout the ages, some overzealous converts have done so. It is never the member or the organ that really causes the sin; these are simply instruments. Sin is a spiritual decision, and it always arises from the heart. The point of the comparison lies elsewhere than literal self-mutilations. It illustrates the damage sin does to the sinner and to society. Sin is so damaging – because it separates the soul from God, its sustainer and goal – that any physical suffering, deformation or deprivation is infinitely preferable to even the slightest moral evil.

Sin is not a popular topic in today’s culture. It is much more chic to speak of psychological complexes, childhood trauma, and social conditioning – anything that remits personal responsibility. Although external influences do affect human actions, habits, and personalities, the overwhelmingly clear lesson of this passage is that sin matters. Sin is purposely choosing to do evil, to break the moral law that God built into human nature as a natural guide to happiness and fulfillment. And sin has dire consequences. Especially for those who have been given responsibility to lead in the Church, or in a family, or in a

community: Jesus knows that some of these leaders will abuse their privileged position and cause others to fall away from the right path, but he makes no excuses for them. Rather, he warns all of his disciples to decide once and for all to declare sin their archenemy. And as for anything that may lead to sin – get rid of it! Cut it off! Few places in the Gospels does Jesus speak so harshly. Maybe he really meant what he said.

CHRIST THE FRIEND The early Christians had a special affinity for the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd, an affinity which Jesus seems to have shared. It appears in the earliest Christian art, like the catacombs and tombstones. At that time everyone lived closer to the land, and shepherds were familiar figures. It is a comparison worth considering deeply.

Some of the early Church Fathers saw in this image a snapshot of all salvation history. The ninety-nine sheep that never strayed represent the angels who stayed faithful when Satan rebelled (this ties in nicely with this context: in warning his Apostles to respect and protect the innocent and weak, Jesus has just referred to angels – guardian angels, most commentators agree). The one lost sheep stands for the human race, which was led astray by the devil. The hills represent heaven, whence Jesus descended in the Incarnation in order to rescue the one lost sheep and carry it back home to eternal life.

What stands out most in this allegorical interpretation is the gratuitous nature of Christ’s saving mission. What good did it do him to come and save us from destruction and sin? None – all the good he does is for us. What the allegory misses, though, is even more important. Jesus wasn’t satisfied with merely saving the poor sheep; he decided to befriend them, to lift them even higher than the angels and give them a share in his own divine life, so that they could enjoy a real, everlasting intimacy with him. No longer would it be shepherd-to-sheep, but friend-to-friend: redeemed mankind becomes Christ’s brothers and sisters.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE Lord, I want to receive the message you suffered so much to give. I want to live it out. Teach me, Lord. You who are meek and humble of heart, make my heart more and more like yours...

Why do I still flirt with sin? Only you know, Lord. But you also know that I believe in you, and I want to grow in virtue and in grace, not in selfishness. Give me strength to break definitively with every sin, and every habit of self-indulgence that puts me into tempting situations. You know better than I do how much I need your help, especially with this. I know you will never let me down. May your fidelity be my fidelity...

When you saw me lost and in danger from the wolves, you came to rescue me. Thank you for not giving up on me. Never let me be separated from you. But what about all the other sheep that are still lost, stuck in the briars of vice and lies? I know you care about them too. And I know that’s why you send me to them. I want to bring them home to you. But howcan I without your help?

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
1. What struck me most about this passage? What did I notice that I hadn’t noticed before?

2. What is the idea of sin that popular culture communicates? How does it compare to Christ’s conception of it?

3. Why are we attracted by temptation? What are the best weapons to resist temptation?

4. In practical terms, how can we be better sheepdogs to help the Good Shepherd round up his beloved lost sheep?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1472-1473 on punishments of sin; 943 on ways to uproot sin; 1853-1854 on distinguishing different types of sin; 1459 on the weakened life of the sinner; 478 on the personal love in Christ’s heart

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Wednesday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121025.cfm

37. A FLASH OF JOY (MT 11:25-30)

“This Spirit, the dispenser of the treasures that are in the Father and keeper of the counsels that are between the Father and the Son, pours himself so sweetly into the soul that he is not perceived, and his greatness is understood by few.”

- St Mary Magdalene of Pazzi

Matthew 11:25-30

At that time Jesus exclaimed, ‘I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children. Yes, Father, for that is what it pleased you to do. Everything has been entrusted to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, just as no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.’

CHRIST THE LORD After reflecting on those who reject him and his message, Jesus now takes comfort in thinking of those who accept him. In his prayer of thanksgiving, he gives us yet another glimpse of his utter uniqueness.

He alone among men “knows the Father,” because he alone is the Son. Therefore, no one can reveal God to us as he can. If we want to know God, as every human heart does (consciously or not), we have only one recourse: Jesus Christ. Christ’s Lordship derives from his very identity as God, not from some extrinsic privilege. And so, if we go to him, look to him, study him, speak with him, follow him, delve into his teachings, and query those who have come to know him better than we have, we will be discovering God himself. If we lift our minds up to him, we will begin to think and see as he does, and if we give him our hearts, we will allow him to take the reins of our lives. God wants to be known and loved, and so he sent us Jesus Christ to be his self-revelation.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Since every heart innately yearns for God, this Gospel passage ought to be prized above all others, for it teaches us the secret for satisfying that yearning. To encounter God requires only one thing. Not intellectual prowess, worldly excellence, or sophisticated achievements, but simplicity. God gives himself to those who are “mere children” – to those who are childlike. The mark of children is not innocence; most often

they are quite mischievous. It is not ignorance, for they often surprise us with their insights and thoughtful questions. Nor is it helplessness, for many of them are streetwise survivors, as often seen in situations of poverty and war.

The mark of the child is trust. Children readily put their trust in those given charge over them (until that trust is violated). It is natural for children to depend on their parents, to follow unquestioningly their older siblings. They have not yet developed the average adult’s haughty air of self-sufficiency. By word and example (as for example in the Garden of Gethsemane) Jesus teaches us that intimacy with God requires trust above all. Faith is trusting that what God reveals is true; hope is trusting that what he promises will come about; love is trusting that what he asks us to do is what we should do. If we put our trust in God, and not in ourselves, we will find God.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Pulling weeds for a whole day all by oneself is a wearisome thing. But working side-by-side with a good friend considerably lessens the weariness. Life lays upon us many burdens, which our own selfish tendencies make doubly hard. Jesus Christ wants to bear them with us, softening them with his wise humility, walking by our side as the best of friends. Those who have accepted his invitation and hitched their life to his under the same yoke, like two oxen pulling a plough together, have discovered the difference. They are called saints, and their joy never wanes, not in this life and not in the next.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE I want to know you, Lord. I want to know what you care about, what you think about, what’s on your mind and in your heart. I want to know what makes you smile, what makes you frown. I want to discover the God who created me – who created all things. Jesus, your face reveals God’s face. Open my eyes, Lord, let me see you...

Lord, I know you don’t judge me, because you promise that you are meek and lowly of heart. How hard it is for me not to judge! How much grief I cause myself and others by my outbursts of vanity, arrogance, and anger! I want to learn from you, Lord, and I know you want to teach me. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart more like yours...

Lord, why do I think I can do everything by myself? You designed me to need other people, to help other people, and to depend upon God for everything. This is the law of your universe. Like a little child in its mother’s arms, so I keep myself in you, O Lord. Teach me to trust you and to obey your will. Thy Kingdom come...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1) What struck you most in the passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2) Why would Christ thank the Father for revealing himself to the humble and not to the proud? What does Jesus really mean?

3) Jesus invites us to learn from him how to be “meek and humble of heart.” Why?

4) In practical terms, how can we take Christ’s yoke upon ourselves in the current circumstances of our lives?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 456-460 on the reasons that Jesus became man; 232-260 on the Trinitarian relation between the Father and the Son; 464-469 on Jesus as both God and man; 441-445 on what it means for Christ to be the “Son of God”

Thursday, December 11, 2025

Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121125.cfm

36. A TINGE OF SADNESS (MT 11:12-24)

“Consequently, anyone who today would want to ask God questions or desire some vision or revelation, would not only be acting foolishly but would commit an offense against God by not fixing his eyes entirely on Christ, without wanting something new or something besides him.”

- St John of the Cross

Matthew 11:12-24

‘Since John the Baptist came, up to this present time, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence and the violent are taking it by storm. Because it was towards John that all the prophecies of the prophets and of the Law were leading; and he, if you will believe me, is the Elijah who was to return. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen! ‘Whatdescription can I find for this generation? It is like children shouting to each other as they sit in the market place: We played the pipes for you, and you wouldn’t dance; we sang dirges, and you wouldn’t be mourners. For John came, neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He is possessed. The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and they say, Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners. Yet wisdom has been proved right by her actions.’

Then he began to reproach the towns in which most of his miracles had been worked, because they refused to repent. ‘Alas for you, Chorazin! Alas for you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard on Judgement day with Tyre and Sidon as with you. And as for you, Capernaum, did you want to be exalted as high as heaven? You shall be thrown down to hell. For if the miracles done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have been standing yet. And still, I tell you that it will not go as hard with the land of Sodom on Judgement day as with you.’

CHRIST THE LORD Jesus continues reflecting out loud about the most important moment of human history – the time of his coming, the hour of redemption. He puts John’s prophetic mission in historical context: it is the culmination of the age of prophecy, its fulfillment and its conclusion. All Jews at the time were familiar with Malachi’s prophecy that in the days of the Messiah the prophet Elijah would return (Malachi 4:5). Jesus gives the definitive interpretation of this prophecy, declaring that John the Baptist was the new Elijah and at the same time leaving no doubt about his own claims to be the Messiah.

Yet this history lesson is tinged with regret. In thinking of John, and John’s arrest at the hands of King Herod, the egoist, Jesus can’t avoid facing the hard fact that his saving message is being rejected and opposed. John is suffering because of it, we have already seen the beginning of the Pharisees’ antagonism to Jesus, and Christ knows what is in store for him at the end of his earthly mission: agony and death. His Kingdom is already suffering violence, and he knows that it will continue to do so. In these reflections we get a further glimpse of what he meant when he said that he came not to bring peace, but a sword: the Lord came to conquer a Kingdom, and the victory can only be obtained through spiritual and moral battle.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus’ parable about the moody children playing in the town square teaches us a hard lesson about the human heart. No rhyme or reason governs the children’s decisions. They don’t feel like playing weddings, and they don’t feel like playing funerals – they are completely at the mercy of their whims. This is okay for children, but adults should be wiser. They should recognize the truth of things – the actions of John the Baptist, the miracles and wonders performed by Jesus – and adjust their decisions and behavior accordingly, instead of letting their moody decisions cloud their view of the truth. Simple human maturity involves being able to master selfish tendencies and emotional

tantrums in order to act in accordance with true principles and real circumstances (the “deeds of wisdom” that Christ mentions).

That’s exactly what the inhabitants of the towns around the Sea of Galilee refused to do. Their selfishness blinded them to Christ’s truth – a truth brighter and more eloquent than anything that had ever come before. As we look into our own hearts, and as we see the lives of those around us, it’s clear that little has changed in two thousand years.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Throughout this discourse, we detect a note of anger. But it isn’t the anger of wounded vanity; it’s the anger of a broken heart. The Greek word translated “woe” could just as easily be translated “alas”! Jesus doesn’t condemn the towns who haven’t responded to his preaching and miracles – they have condemned themselves. No pain is more intense than that which comes from unrequited love, which is exactly what Jesus experiences. He came from heaven to extend God’s offer of reconciliation to sinners. They need that grace, but they don’t deserve it. And what is their reaction? Scorn, rejection, ingratitude.... They crucify their Savior. No wonder a hint of sadness taints Christ’s words; he is a friend who has been doubly betrayed. Where can he find comfort? In hearts that trust him – in hearts that teach others to trust in him too.

Jesus: It was a risk to create you. I knew that in making you capable of knowing me and loving me, you would also be capable of rejecting me. Why did I take the risk? Because you’re worth it. The universe is better with you than without you. I want you to discover all the wonders and joys that I have in store for you. I will never lead you astray – I created you for glory, for life, for joy. Come, follow me.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE You have shown me that this world is a spiritual battleground. Through the ages, your followers have suffered for their fidelity to you. They have undergone hardships whenever they tried to be faithful to your mission for them – just like John the Baptist. Give me courage, Lord, to fight for your kingdom of justice and love...

I too, Lord, am a player in this mysterious drama where the creatures disdain their Creator. At times, I have said no to you; I have turned away from your will. I am an enigma to myself, Lord. I kneel before you and ask once again for mercy. Forgive me my sins. Don’t let me say no to you anymore – especially in those things where you know I struggle...

I have experienced rejection in my life, Lord. But I have never loved as much as you loved, and so your pain at being rejected must be much greater than I know. If you show me how, I will bring others to your friendship – I will help those who have rejected you come back to you. Be comforted. I love you; I believe in you; I thank you...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in the passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. Christ views history from the perspective of the history of salvation. If we shared that viewpoint more, how would it affect our attitudes, actions, and opinions?

3. St Matthew implies that Jesus did many other miracles in Chorazin and Bethsaida that aren’t recorded in the Gospels. Why do you think the evangelists didn’t record them?

4. Which does popular culture encourage more: immaturity (living by whims, moods, and emotions) or maturity (living by principles and truths)? How?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1731-1738 on freedom and responsibility; 1767- 1770 on the morality of passions and emotions

Friday, December 12, 2025

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121225.cfm

29. BELIEVING LEADS TO SEEING (MT 9:27-35)

“Therefore, that shining light of which has been lit for our salvation must always shine in us.”
- St Chromatius

Matthew 9:27-35

As Jesus went on his way two blind men followed him shouting, ‘Take pity on us, Son of David’. And when Jesus reached the house the blind men came up with him and he said to them, ‘Do you believe I can do this?’ They said, ‘Sir, we do’. Then he touched their eyes saying, ‘Your faith deserves it, so let this be done for you’. And their sight returned. Then Jesus sternly warned them, ‘Take care that no one learns about this’. But when they had gone, they talked about him all over the countryside. They had only just left when a man was brought to him, a dumb demoniac. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb man spoke and the people were amazed. ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel’ they said. But the Pharisees said, ‘It is through the prince of devils that he casts out devils’. Jesus made a tour through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of the kingdom and curing all kinds of diseases and sickness.

CHRIST THE LORD With this passage, St Matthew finishes his narration of ten miracles performed in the aftermath of the Sermon on the Mount, in confirmation of the trustworthiness of what was said in that sermon, as it were. These last two miracles mark the final flourish on this section of the Gospel, showing that nothing, absolutely nothing, is excluded from Christ’s saving mission.

Jesus doesn’t come to rescue bits and pieces of broken humanity; he comes to gather it all into a new, everlasting Kingdom. His redemption actually brings good out of evil. If evil – whether on a grand scale of human history or on the smaller scale of individual human lives – were able to damage our humanity beyond the possibility of restoration, we would have no reason to hope. Jesus, however, shows that God’s loving goodness is far superior to evil. Those who let him into their lives discover not only forgiveness, security, and relief,

but a profound renewal that gradually extends to every corner of their being. The Lord is Savior, but he is also Redeemer.

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus works in our lives according to a plan. He knows what he is doing, just as he knew what he was doing during the days of his public life.

He orders the two blind men to keep the miracle under wraps. This is a frequent injunction, especially in the Gospel of Mark. He knew that the Israelites’ hearts had been hardened and confused through the centuries, so he was gradually revealing his full identity and the full extent of his mission. He wanted time to train his closest disciples, and he wanted freedom of action – all of which could be compromised if news of his miracles sparked precipitous action from the authorities or spawned too quickly a suffocating wave of wonder-loving crowds. Although his heart couldn’t resist the desperate, faith-filled appeals of the suffering people he came to save, he was nevertheless following a clear strategy.

Just so, he works in our lives intelligently, gradually, strategically. But we can’t see the whole plan – it’s too big and bright for our mortal gaze. And so we have to learn to simply travel along by his side like the disciples, listening, obeying, and trusting, carrying out one piece of the plan at a time.

CHRIST THE FRIEND The Pharisees were unbelieving. They didn’t want to believe in a Messiah that didn’t fit their preconceived ideas, so they found ways to justify their resistance – if Jesus drives out demons, he must be possessed by a stronger demon, that’s all. Imagine how Christ’s heart reacted to those accusations, such stubborn resistance to his grace. Imagine how he reacts to the disbelief of so many people who refuse to see the signs of his love and truth in our world today.

When a friend is in pain, you do whatever you can to comfort him. Christians can comfort Christ by keeping their own faith fresh and, above all, by living a real, practical, and universal Christian charity. That’s the only way to lay a successful siege against the world’s many barricaded hearts – breaching their walls with love, so the gift of faith can come streaming in.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE You have let me see some miracles, Lord. You have given me experiences that can have no other explanation than yourself. Don’t let me forget them, Lord; let them nourish my faith. I believe in your saving power and your continued presence. Thank you for the amazing things you have done in my life. Pray for me, Holy Mother of God, that I may be made worthy of the love of Christ...

Lord, there are people in my life who are blind, who are mute, who are trapped in the darkness of sin. Jesus, I pray for them now. Free them, enlighten them, as you have done with me. Free me, too; keep enlightening me. I want to comfort you, Lord, with my faith and charity. Teach me to bear the torch of your love. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in you...

These two blind men prayed so simply, so faithfully, and so directly! “Son of David, take pity on us!” Lord, have pity on me. You know my misery and my blindness. I believe that you can heal me. I believe that you can make me into a saint. You can do all things, Lord...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in the passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. Why do you think Jesus questioned the two blind men before healing them?

3. Some critics of the Bible claim that the demon possessions narrated in the Gospels were just natural diseases that people in ancient times didn’t know how to diagnose. Can you find any evidence in this passage against such a view? Can you think of any reasons why demon possession might be manifested in symptoms similar to natural or psychological disorders?

4. Think of some people you know who don’t believe in God or Christ. Why don’t they believe? What single thing would do most to help them believe?

Cf. The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 897-913 on how Catholics should spread the faith; 2118-212 on different forms of disbelief

Saturday, December 13, 2025

Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121325.cfm

30. THE CHURCH GETS GOING (MT 9:36 – 10:8)

“The apostles have preached the Gospel to us from the Lord Jesus Christ; Jesus Christ has done so from God. Christ therefore was sent forth by God, and the apostles by Christ. Both these appointments, then, were made in an orderly way, according to the will of God.”

- Pope St Clement of Rome

Matthew 9:36-10:8

And when he saw the crowds he felt sorry for them because they were harassed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is rich

but the labourers are few, so ask the Lord of the harvest to send labourers to his harvest’. He summoned his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits with power to cast them out and to cure all kinds of diseases and sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew; James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the one who was to betray him. These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them as follows: ‘Do not turn your steps to pagan territory, and do not enter any Samaritan town; go rather to the lost sheep of the House of Israel. And as you go, proclaim that the kingdom of heaven is close at hand. Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils. You received without charge, give without charge.’

CHRIST THE LORD Jesus Christ is a man for others. His heart was moved by the needs of those around him. His heart is moved by our need for him. The whole project of his life, from Bethlehem to Calvary, consisted in winning back for us what we had lost by sin: hope, eternal life, meaning, friendship with God, lasting joy, enduring peace. All he wants is toreap a harvest of souls for his Father’s house. His teaching shows us the way; his miracles convince us of this teaching; his suffering, death, and resurrection plant the new Tree of Life, whose fruit we receive in the Eucharist. Not one word, not one deed, not one thought of Christ’s earthly journey was for himself: he lived to please his Father (cf. John 8:29) and to “save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). Even at the peak of his atrocious suffering, as he hung writhing with excruciating pain on the cross, his lifeblood trickling away, his heart did not turn in on himself, but continued to love others – even his own crucifiers: “Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). What more could he have done for us? What greater love could he have shown? What more glorious Lord could we serve? We can serve him in no better way than by sharing his concern for the “sheep without a shepherd.”

CHRIST THE TEACHER Jesus Christ always works according to objectives. Oftentimes we think that our faith and our relationship with God in his Church do not require us to use our heads. When we want to build a business, engage in research, or achieve any success in earthly matters, we put our minds to work and come up with a strategy. We set goals; we troubleshoot and problem solve and multitask and evaluate and report; we often get very demanding with ourselves and our coworkers. But when it comes to building up the Kingdom of Christ in our hearts and in those around us, we leave it up to feelings, impressions, and vague, so-called inspirations. Christ didn’t. He sends his missionaries to accomplish a particular goal: preaching and healing in the Jewish towns first (not the pagan ones), knowing that he must guide the growth of his Church by logical stages. He formed his team of Twelve Apostles, painstakingly prepared them, and commissioned and equipped them to carry the Gospel throughout the world...He had a vision, he had clear idea of where he was going, and he made a specific plan. He would have been a great CEO.

CHRIST THE FRIEND Jesus Christ is a team player. As God, he could have chosen to fulfill the mission of salvation all alone, to come to earth and stay here bodily forever, continuing his Galilean-style ministry for all time, until he had made his way to all the peoples throughout the world. And yet, he chose not to. Rather, when his heart was moved he

summoned his Twelve Apostles and began preparations for establishing his Church, which would be the extension of his incarnation and mission throughout all ages and in every land. Christ chose to administer his salvation through the cooperation of missionaries, of disciples, of men and women who would roll up their sleeves and bring in the abundant harvest. He chose to involve the very sinners he came to save in the project of their salvation, and in that way to give meaning and purpose to their lives. He asks us now to contemplate the injured world around us and respond generously by working with him to bring life to all.

Philip: I was scared when Jesus sent me out. I have to admit that I don’t think I would have gone if he had sent me alone. When he gave us these instructions and sent us as his ambassadors for the first time, the look in his eyes was, well, hard to describe. It flashed with a conqueror’s fire, but it also glowed with a tinge of sadness, as if he were pleading with us, as if he were afraid we would start making excuses. I was afraid to go, but some of his fire stirred me, and I wanted to show him that I was on his side. And soon after we set out, all my fears vanished, because we saw right away that his own Spirit was with us.

CHRIST IN MY LIFE Jesus, I am your disciple, but I am a weak and needy one. In my weakness, your strength can shine through. Teach me to depend on you; make my heart like yours: compassionate, concerned, courageous. Help me to see the needs of those around me and not be blinded by my selfishness. You have given me so much; help me to share it all with those around me...

You are all-powerful, Lord, and all-wise. In your wisdom and power, you founded your Church on Peter and the other Apostles. Its endurance and growth and fruitfulness through the ages, in spite of unremitting persecution from within and without, prove your constant presence within it. Thank you for the Church. Protect your Church. Use my life for the good of your Church. Continue to call men and women to serve your Church. We are one body in Christ; blest be the name of the Lord!....

I remember when I first heard your voice in my heart. I knew you were speaking to me, calling to me, inviting me. Thank you for looking into my eyes and speaking my name. Thank you for giving my life a purpose. Thank you for giving me a mission, for sharing your mission with me. I want to be your faithful follower until the day I die. Your Kingdom come...

QUESTIONS FOR SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

1. What struck you most in the passage? What did you notice that you hadn’t noticed before?

2. What does this passage teach us about the origin and mission of the Church?

3. What does Jesus mean when he says “the harvest is abundant but the laborers are few”? Why are there so few laborers? Why does God want us to pray for more vocations? Why doesn’t he just give them automatically?

4. What are the greatest needs right now in our local Church? What more can we do to help meet those needs?

Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1, 737-740 on the essential role of the Church in the plan of salvation; 620 on God’s love for us; 606-618 on Jesus’ self-offering out of love for us