Advent with the Saints: John the Baptist

Greg Friedman, OFM December 7, 2025

John the Baptist takes center stage in the Gospels in all three Lectionary cycles on the Second and Third Sundays of Advent.

Good News in Chaos

Ela Milewska December 7, 2025

In a world that feels increasingly loud and chaotic, the good news of the Advent message breaks through: God loves you. Jesus saves you. Christ is alive.

open hands holding a gift to give to someone else.

Advent with the Saints: Nicholas

Greg Friedman, OFM December 6, 2025

It’s well known that St. Nicholas, a sixth-century bishop, is behind our use of the secular “icon” of Christmas, Santa Claus.

Extend Compassion

Shannon K. Evans December 6, 2025

We are often our own worst critics, failing to extend compassion to ourselves when we would easily do so for a loved one. Use this prayer to find your center within God’s compassionate embrace.

Advent with the Saints: Francis Xavier

Greg Friedman, OFM December 5, 2025

Mission is the theme in many Gospel stories. Jesus tours towns and villages, proclaiming God’s heavenly reign.

The Challenge of Waiting

Theresa Doyle-Nelson December 5, 2025

Reflect “The Lord is good to those who wait for him.”—Nahum 1:7a Waiting. It can be so hard! We carefully plan out timetables, make out

Advent with the Saints: Peter

Greg Friedman, OFM December 4, 2025

Our Scriptures today play with the same imagery: the “Rock” who is our God.

Holding Joy and Sorrow Together

Christopher Wesley December 4, 2025

Joy and sorrow often walk hand-in-hand. Grief doesn’t cancel out gladness. We might be tempted to ignore the pain, but in our sadness we can discover God’s grace.

homeless person hold a cup filled with cuddles in his hands.

Advent with the Saints: Vincent de Paul and Frederic Ozanam

Greg Friedman, OFM December 3, 2025

Christmastime is marked by extra efforts at generosity toward the poor.

In Isaiah 66:1-2, God tells the people of Israel the kind of dwelling he approves of: the lowly, and the afflicted. How often do we read words like this and immediately try to decipher some kind of spiritual metaphor?