2025 Bishop Ireton Advent Reflection Book

THE 2025 BISHOP IRETON ADVENT REFLECTION BOOKLET WRITTEN BY THE BI FACULTY & STAFF

The 2025 Bishop Ireton Advent Reflection Booklet Written by the BI Faculty and Staff

Thank you to all the contributors. May God bless you as you read and reflect on His word this Advent season.

Opening Message

By Kathleen McNutt, Head of School Dear Bishop Ireton Community, In this Jubilee Year of Hope, we are challenged to not only be hopeful, but to share the hope of the Christ child with all that we encounter. This season of Advent is a reminder to put aside the preoccupation with busy-ness and material preparations and remain focused on God’s call to be ready for His coming. How blessed we are to be infinitely loved by God the Father, who gave us an enduring way to connect with Him - He gave us His son.

During this Advent, the Bishop Ireton Faculty and Staff invite you to join us in taking time to reflect on the gift of the Christ child and our spiritual preparations to get ready for His birth. On campus, we will continue to celebrate the gift of Catholic education and find daily opportunities to keep Christ at the center of all that we do in the classroom and beyond. Whether it be time for the sacraments, silent prayer and adoration in the chapel, engaging in the school food drive or adopt-a-family program, participating in advisory Christmas competitions, enjoying our BI Christmas concert, or spending quality time with family and friends, let us pause to feel the Lord’s blessings and reflect upon what the Lord wants to do for you and through you this Advent season.

As you read and meditate on the reflections in this booklet, may you be drawn closer to God and be reminded of the great hope we have in Him. Let this season be a time of faith, hope and love, strengthening and deepening our relationship with Jesus. May your Advent journey be blessed, and may you find Christ anew in every aspect of your life.

Advance Always and Live Jesus,

Kathleen McNutt Head of School

Opening Salesian Advent Reflection Hope – Learning from a Young Francis de Sales

By Brother Dan Wisniewski, O.S.F.S. In our Church, we celebrate this year a Jubilee of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis and continued by Pope Leo XIV. And I think you will agree that our world needs hope more than ever these days. It is easy for me to fall into despair when I read the news or hear stories of families in need. Hope is a great virtue which our faith tradition holds up as important amid our Christian journey seeking union with a loving God. In his autobiography entitled Hope, Pope Francis writes that “Christian hope is that humble and strong virtue that sustains us and doesn’t let us drown in the many difficulties of existence. … Hope is an anchor” (p. 255). I really like this image of an anchor which keeps us connected to a foundation, so we do not succumb to the waves of life, which toss and turn us.

So, to what foundation does hope anchors us? What keeps us grounded? I believe our patron St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) offers us some wisdom by his own manifestation of hope during his early years, when he was a teenager studying in Paris. During his time at the Jesuit school at Clermont, our saint was learning a great deal which would inform his spirituality and approach to life. However, he was also surrounded and influenced by debates on the topic of pre-destination: how God freely determined who was and was not to be saved. Add to this the fact that Francis was a young, impressionable young student living in a Paris filled with the pleasures comparable to those of a college town in our present time. Within this swirl of experiences, the not-yet-saint was deeply convinced that that he was among those destined to be condemned to hell, where he would have no power to love God or to see the Blessed Virgin Mary. Obsessed with this conviction, Francis did not eat or sleep and sunk into deep despair during a six-week period from December 1586 to January 1587. The young student, Francis de Sales, lacked hope.

In this sad state, Francis plodded along with his daily routine and studies. One day on his way home from classes, as was his custom, he stopped in the Church of St. Etienne-des-grès and prayed before the statue of the Black Madonna, Notre Dame de Bonne Délivrance (Our Lady of Good Deliverance). On his knees before Our Lady, he desperately prayed: Whatever may happen, O God, you who hold all things in your hand, whose ways are justice and truth, whatsoever you may have decreed concerning me in the eternal secret of your predestination and reprobation, you whose judgments are unfathomable, you who are ever Just Judge and Merciful Father, I will love you always, O Lord, at least in this life! At least in this life will I love you, if it is not given me to love you in eternity!

Following this, he recited the “Memorare” and upon finishing, Francis was relieved of his despair. The crisis ended. St. Jane de Chantal, in her testimony during his canonization process, recounted what he once told her: “His troubles, so it seemed to him, had fallen about his feet like a leper’s scales.” With the departure of his crisis, hope returned.

From this pivotal moment in his formative years, Francis de Sales developed his spirituality and approach to Christian living, one we recognize today as living the humble and gentle Jesus expressed in

Matthew 11:29. In this prayer before the Black Madonna, we also see early shades of the Direction of Intention: in the present moment, young Francis chooses to love God today and in this life, even he is unable to do so in heaven. What he is able to control is his ability to love God, and Francis will trust God to take care of the rest, whatever that future holds. As he loves God in the here and now, he has hope.

He becomes anchored in love, the foundation of his spirituality and relationship with God. Much later in life, Francis would write about hope in his Treatise on the Love of God: We hope for such things as we expect to gain by another’s aid, whereas we aspire to such things as we strive after by our own resources and by ourselves. Hence, we attain to the enjoyment of our supreme good, which is God, primarily and principally by his favor, grace, and mercy, while that same mercy wills that we co-operate with his favor and add our feeble consent to his mighty grace. (Book 2, chapter 16) While we trust in God, our hope also requires our participation – our co-operation with God’s will. May we not lose hope in these times, but love and by doing so, restore hope in our world, working with our loving God through our efforts to “Live Jesus” in the daily activities of our day. As we prepare for the season when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us also turn to His Mother in prayer as we learned from the life of our patron St. Francis de Sales: The Memorare Prayer Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother!

To you I come; before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

The First Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 2: 1-5 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, The mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and set terms for many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their pears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Reflection

By Stephen Crooker The Catholic Church’s Advent prayers and readings are abounding with citations from the Prophet Isaiah, who prophesies not only about the coming birth of the Messiah, but also the Suffering Servant, both fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In both Christian and Jewish theology, Isaiah is the most influential writing prophet of the Old Testament. Prophesying 700 years before Christ, Isaiah foretells a hopeful vision to a people in exile: one day, against all odds, the Word of the Lord will bring peace to their war-torn region.

A redeemed people will seek out the Lord on Mount Zion (Jerusalem, their holy city, the place of true worship).

We are accustomed to living in a nation with freedom and access to practice our faith. Yet imagine living in a place without a temple or one’s vast heritage! How could God possibly be faithful and present to His people in a foreign land? Yet, God is always faithful. The Advent season is a microcosm of our life: we look forward not only to the presence of Jesus in time through His coming at Christmas, but also to possessing God forever in heaven. God will supersede our earthly limitations and expectations. Every time we receive the Eucharist, we have a foretaste of eternal glory. So, each day, we welcome and experience the presence of God in our land, although currently “exiled” from our heavenly homeland. If tempted to succumb to discouragement when facing difficulties or God’s so-called “absence,” we have a hopeful message today from Isaiah, who reminds us that a time of peace is coming, the peace that the Lord alone can provide. Jesus is often called the Prince of Peace, so let us wait for the Lord with courage and walk in the light of the Lord!

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The First Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 122: 1-9 A song of ascents. Of David.

I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, built as a city, walled round about.

There the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, As it was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There are the thrones of justice, the thrones of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “May those who love you prosper!

May peace be within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers.”

For the sake of my brothers and friends I say, “Peace be with you.”

For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I pray for your good.

Reflection

By Lana O’Donnell Whenever I hear the Responsorial Psalm said at today’s Mass, I am taken back to a song we would often sing at the mission when I lived in Central America: “Qué alegría cuando me dijeron: Vamos a la casa del Señor. Ya están pisando nuestros pies,tus umbrales, Jerusalén…” The lyrics, which are simply the words of today’s Responsorial Psalm but in Spanish, always bring me great joy as I recall the delight and energy that the people had in that humble mission Church as they belted out the lyrics. Advent, while a season of penance, was always one of great joy for the people of Melchor de Mencos in Guatemala. There were numerous processions, Las Posadas, and an undercurrent of hopeful anticipation for the birth of a Savior. The Savior, who was born into a poor and humble family, in a poor and humble place, spoke deeply to the heart of many there whose life beginnings were quite similar. The people of Melchor were beautiful witnesses to me of the deep rejoicing that the Advent season brings, the deep alegría (joy) of Christ who was born so little and small and came to dwell amongst us; The Savior of the world placed in a feeding trough at His birth who remains so hidden and humble today in the tabernacles throughout the world. So may we go rejoicing to the house of the Lord today, rejoicing that the Messiah is coming to us and remains with us always in the most Blessed Sacrament. Let us approach not only this Advent season, but each and every single Mass with great rejoicing.

Lord, thank you for the beauty of this season of Advent. Thank you for coming to dwell amongst your people in the most beautiful and simple way. In the midst of this season of penance and preparation, remind us that we are a people of great hope and of great rejoicing. May we approach you in full confidence of the joy through our Baptism as your sons and daughters.

The First Sunday of Advent Second Reading Romans 13: 11-14 And do this because you know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Reflection

By Joseph Jacobeen As a Theology teacher, I frequently find myself dangerously close to hypocrisy when I am teaching something that I realize that I too need to grow in. It is always a wake-up call for me. Speaking of wakeup calls, in this Sunday’s second reading, St. Paul sounds the alarm: “It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep!”

St. Jose Maria Escriva wrote about the “Heroic minute,” that moment when the alarm goes off in the morning, when we have our first daily choice: “To snooze or not to snooze?” To bravely shed the warm covers, to step out in faith that the Lord has good things in store for me today—this is the virtuebuilding choice. “3-2-1, then up!” Knees on the floor, and I offer my first moment to God. It is now the hour! This practice of immediately getting up in the morning prepares us to act virtuously throughout our day. “Make no provisions,” Paul instructs, “for the desires of the flesh.” What vice am I complacent about? What good am I putting off?

Doom scrolling again? Time to get up! Spiraling into resentful, jealous thoughts or conversations about your colleagues? Rise up! Tempted by gluttony, greed, or lust? Throw off the covers, those “works of darkness”! Wake up, turn on the lights, and get a move on. Choosing to sleep longer instead of attending Daily Mass in the Francis de Sales Chapel at 7:10 am?

What are you waiting for? It’s time to get up!

The First Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 24: 37-44 For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In [those] days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be [also] at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

Reflection Best to Keep Your Eyes Open By Thomas Cogliano Anytime this Gospel reading is proclaimed, I recall the final scene from the 2005 film The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. In that scene, a young Lucy Pevensie is trying to return to Narnia through the wardrobe again only to discover the portal is no longer open. She is interrupted in her quest by the Professor who owned the wardrobe. He informs Lucy that he had tried before to return through the wardrobe with no luck. When Lucy asks if they will ever go back, the Professor responds, “Oh I expect so. But it’ll probably happen when you’re not looking for it. All the same…best to keep your eyes open.”

While the Gospel reading focuses on mankind’s anticipation for the Second Coming of Christ, the morals of the passage can also be a useful message pertaining to our own mortality. We must always be at the ready in case we are called to Eternity. None of us know the hour or the minute when that will come. It is for that reason to live each day with the expectation that an earthly tomorrow may not arrive. While this seems morbid and pessimistic, it is also hopeful and joyous. Every day should feel like an opportunity to touch lives, share boundless love and display universal kindness. Going through each day with that in mind sets up the human soul well for salvation. The seemingly small acts of simple kindness that we do in our day-to-day lives and interactions with others may become that spark that salvages another’s day, another’s life, or another’s trajectory. As the 17th Century Catholic theologian and mathematician Blaise Pascal said, “The least movement is of importance to all nature. The entire ocean is affected by a pebble.”

Choose kindness! Show off your joy! Embrace charity and forgiveness! Be available for those who grieve, hurt, struggle and falter. Render to the Kingdom of Earth the qualities that thrive eternally in the Kingdom of Heaven! Do this while in the former kingdom and inherit the joy that will come later in the latter kingdom. Keep your eyes open…always!

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)

The Second Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 11: 1-10 But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide fairly for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall graze, together their young shall lie down; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the viper’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. They shall not harm or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. Restoration on that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the peoples—Him the nations will seek out; his dwelling shall be glorious.

Reflection

By Caroline Duffy Today’s First Reading calls to mind the magnificent Tree of Jesse in the beautiful stained-glass window inside Chartres Cathedral, depicting the lineage of Christ, starting with King David’s father, Jesse. A beautiful tradition during Advent is adorning the Jesse Tree and reading the accompanying passages from Scripture which detail the symbolism of each day’s ornament. All of this reminds us that all the Old Testament—in fact all of history—is pointing us to that moment in Bethlehem. All of history is pointing us to Christ. It is His-Story!

This season of preparation beckons us to open our heart, mind and our very lives to prepare a place for the Christ child, Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace. He is the One who will lead us to the holy mountain where peace, justice and love will reign—where there will be no division nor enemies, where predators and prey shall play together, where all shall be one in Christ Jesus. Advent’s time of preparation in which we await Christ’s coming at Christmas also points us to His final coming, when Isaiah’s prophecy will be fully realized. Until then, and guided by Prince of Peace, let us each seek to be peacemakers in our families, with our friends and colleagues and in our communities.

The Second Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Of Solomon.

O God, give your judgment to the king; your justice to the king’s son; That he may govern your people with justice, your oppressed with right judgment, That abundance may flourish in his days, great bounty, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth.

For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help.

He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor.

May his name be forever; as long as the sun, may his name endure.

May the tribes of the earth give blessings with his name; may all the nations regard him as favored.

Reflection

By Katie Madigan When the words “justice” and “peace” are associated, as in Psalm 72, the formula of Pope Paul VI comes to mind that, “If you want peace, work for justice.” Models for me of those who have spoken out for the poor and oppressed in various times and places include figures such as St. Oscar Romero and the Jesuits of El Salvador, who were martyred during the civil war of the eighties. What I remember from a visit to the tombs of the Jesuits killed in San Salvador are the flowers with which they were covered, the roses honoring their sacrifice. Prior to that, I had associated roses with a different kind of spirituality, hidden, yet mystically connected.

The Psalm for today is a prayer to God to fill the king with the spirit of a just judge. As such, the poor and the weak will be protected and helped, peace will abound, and all others will do homage, be blessed and in turn, bless God. Thus, the God of Israel is praised for the fair and righteous king’s actions.

What strikes me in the Psalm is the promise of the king to come, the Messiah, and the praise of God who rescues the needy, echoed in the canticle of Mary, the Magnificat. In this season, we await the pure king who fearlessly calls out injustice and pays for it with his life for us. And on the vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we recall that Mary, the “Mystical Rose” sang in praise of God, who has “cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly” and who has “filled the hungry with good things.”

Prince of Peace, guide us in our prayer and work for justice.

The Second Sunday of Advent Second Reading Romans 15: 4-9 For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Fidelity and Mercy.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.”

Reflection

By Tania Slaton The Advent Season is a time of waiting, preparation and deepening hope. As educators we are called not only to prepare ourselves and our families for the birth of Jesus but to accompany our students in faith, joy and perseverance. Paul’s words speak directly to us because instruction, encouragement and hope are at the heart of both the Gospel and the mission of Catholic education.

“Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise.” - St. Francis de Sales Our students look to us for wisdom and encouragement. Help us use this Advent to renew our own hope so that we can share it with students.

“Be who you are and be that well, to give honor to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are.” St. Francis de Sales Our students are experiencing a broken world. St. Paul’s direction to welcome one another as Christ welcomed us provides an example for how a diverse Catholic school can practice unity as a living witness of the Gospel.

“Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.” - St. Francis de Sales The hope of advent is not wishful thinking; it is confidence in God’s promises. We can embody this hope in our patience with students, our colleagues and ourselves.

Father, help us to share joy and encouragement even on difficult days. Help us to welcome our colleagues and students with warmth, reflecting your love for us. May we anchor our Advent in prayer and Scripture, finding rest in your promises. Help us to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us, for Your glory. Amen.”

“Have faith in God’s word, walk simply and faithfully, and you will discover that hope abounds.” - St. Francis de Sales

The Second Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 3: 1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Reflection

By Ryan Fannon The Gospel begins with "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" as John the Baptist appeared preaching in the desert of Judea. At the time Jerusalem, all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to John the Baptist in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

John the Baptist was open and looking for all to come to him with genuine repentance—not those that were seeking repentance without a genuine heart like the Pharisees and Sadducees. He asked them and all to produce good fruit as evidence of true repentance.

What is true repentance? Through our faith and knowledge, we learn that seeking true and genuine repentance cannot be something we do out of obligation. It must be a regular practice of repentance that comes through our own hearts in a genuine fashion guided by the Holy Spirit. God wants to give us his genuine Grace and forgiveness, but we must choose to accept his Grace with an open and humble heart and a firm resolve to make amends from our past sins.

It's also easy to get caught up in our daily lives seeking happiness through worldly possessions and individual accolades. While seeking that mindset consistently can provide us some temporary happiness and successes from time to time, it will never provide us true Grace and happiness in the long haul.

We've all learned through both good and bad life experiences that true Grace and happiness can only come through God. We often hear the phrase, “I want to change the world.” Although inspiring in nature, it's very difficult from a practical perspective in today's complex world, but it can be done. Often, we think changing the world means convincing others to believe or feel a certain way. But changing the world must actually happen in us and through us in our daily lives. It must begin with a conversion of our heart, mind and spirit in a genuine everyday approach. For if we embrace God in a way that is servient and humble in nature, we can judge less and serve more and one day at a time see the world truly improve around us.

As we prepare for the Christmas season, which can so easily lead us to be sidetracked in the commercialization of everything, let us pray that God guides us to think about the true meaning of Christmas and the Advent season. Jesus' birth over 2000 years ago changed the world forever. For it was his birth that led to his death on the Cross when he made the ultimate sacrifice that saved us from our sins and provided us the gift of eternal life.

As John the Baptist longed in the Jordan River for true repentance from all that seek forgiveness he said, "but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." May we genuinely prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ with all our hearts, minds and souls. Amen.

The Third Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10 The wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom; Like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen hands that are feeble, make firm knees that are weak, Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened; Then the lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the Arabah. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning flee away.

Reflection

By Gabby Baniqued As I began a silent retreat in September, my retreat director encouraged me to spend time in nature, seeking God there. My initial thought was, “Okay, sure, experience God in nature as the Creator of beautiful things.” But she went on to explain that she likes to experience God in nature as a reminder that God is always creating, always moving, always making things new.

I had never thought of it this way. So, I went on my nature walk and pretty quickly understood what she meant. In the falling leaves, the ants returning to their anthill, the bumblebees jumping from flower to flower, I saw visible signs of how God is always working. And in faith, I also knew God was working in ways I couldn’t see, like how I know the grass is growing little by little, even if I can’t see it in the moment.

In the silence, miles away from the busyness of my usual day-to-day, I rekindled a spirit of hope—a hope that believes that the day when frightened hearts will be fearless, the desert will bloom, and sorrow and mourning will flee will surely come.

But in the day-to-day, the grading, the lesson planning, the coaching, the meetings, what little things can we pay attention to to remind ourselves that God is still working? How can we bolster our hope when it starts to run low?

Maybe it’s in the perseverance of a student who keeps trying, in a colleague’s unexpected kindness, or in the laughter that breaks tension in a long meeting. Maybe these things are invisible and require a little bit of faith—that the student you’ve been investing in is truly growing, even if the results aren’t immediately clear. Whether we see it or not, God is working towards the day that Isaiah describes, and that is such a joyful truth!

Loving Creator, open our eyes to see Your quiet work unfolding around us. Renew our hope when we grow weary, and remind us that even in the smallest moments of our day, You are making all things new.

Amen.

The Third Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146: 6-10 The maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, Who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, who gives bread to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free; the LORD gives sight to the blind.

The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD protects the resident alien, comes to the aid of the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked.

The LORD shall reign forever, your God, Zion, through all generations!

Hallelujah!

Reflection

By Jeanne Bliss I find such peace in this week’s Responsorial Psalm! It is a beautiful reminder that it is our Lord who does marvelous deeds. If we have a role in it, it is as an instrument of the Lord, not of our own power.

It is not uncommon for people to struggle with the idea that "I" am not always good, but rather we come to know and understand that God’s goodness can flow through me to others when I am centered on Him and when I align my will with His. Even greater than that, this Psalm reminds us that, “The LORD shall reign forever...through all generations."

How wonderful it is that His reign will go on far beyond our time and that God is not bound by time! He is and ever shall be. Alleluia!

Dear Lord, Thank you for your powerful works. Thank you for protecting the weak and thwarting the wicked. May we seek always to be instruments of your great work - no matter how seemingly small those acts may feel at the time. May we be your hands and feet during Advent and each and every day.

May we find peace in the knowledge that while our time on earth is short, your Kingdom is eternal.

Amen.

The Third Sunday of Advent Second Reading James 5: 7-10 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

Reflection

By Gina Garcia The second reading in the Third Sunday of Advent exhorts us to patience as we are very close to the coming of Our Lord. As Christmas approaches and we await the birth of the Messiah, we are filled with joy and hope for His arrival.

And yet, what James is really calling us to do is to await with patience for the Second Coming of the Lord, who will return in glory. James reminds us of the prophets who had to endure hardship and suffering and who showed perseverance and patience amid these trials. So too are we called to celebrate Jesus’ birth which fills us with hope, while at the same time recalling Job, Abraham, Moses and their great faith and hope during tribulation.

We too must hold fast to our faith, filled with hope in remembering that Christ’s birth signifies God’s great love for us and His ardent desire that we all be redeemed. This does not mean that life is always easy, and just like the prophets before us, we will face difficulties, struggles, trials and suffering as these are a part of life.

So very close to Jesus’ birth we can remain faithful even in our sufferings, because Christ came to earth as both human and Divine. He will come again, and we await His return also with hope and faith, even in the more difficult trials that we must face.

It is in the joy of Jesus’ birth that we find hope. But we must also encounter hope even in the challenges that we face.

And so, “Be at peace. Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise.”

The Third Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 11: 2-11 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see?

Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ 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.

Reflection 1

By Mary Briody I’ve always been a sports fan, not just for the game itself but for what it teaches us about teamwork, trust, and supporting one another. In fact, my husband—a much bigger sports fan than me—proposed on the roof of a chapel, asking me “to be his teammate for life.” That idea of partnership and mutual support speaks to me in this Gospel passage.

I love this passage for several reasons. First, I’m struck by John the Baptist’s humanity. From inside the prison walls, he seeks reassurance that Jesus truly is the One. He sends his disciples, his teammates, to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” His question is natural; even the strongest among us sometimes needs to be reminded that our faith is well-founded.

Second, Jesus doesn’t simply reply “yes.” Instead, He points John’s disciples to the evidence of what they have seen and heard—“the blind regain their sight, the lame walk…”—inviting them to draw their own conclusions.

That clear, logical approach appeals to the computer science teacher in me. It reminds me a bit of Detective Joe Friday from Dragnet, who said, “Just the facts.” Jesus’ actions speak for themselves.

Then, before the disciples depart, Jesus affirms John as His messenger: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.” That line reminds me of our mission as a team of educators. At Bishop Ireton, we are all messengers preparing the way - for the teachers who follow us, for our students’ next steps, hoping that the faith foundation we lay continues throughout their lives. As someone who teaches mostly juniors and seniors, I am grateful for the teachers who have taught them their first two years and prepared them so well.

Finally, this Gospel reminds me that when we support one another, as Jesus supported John and John prepared the way for Him, we create a stronger, more faith-filled community. We not only strengthen our relationships with one another but also offer our students a deeper, more meaningful education rooted in care and collaboration.

Dear Jesus, In this season of waiting and preparation, help us to follow the example of John the Baptist, to prepare the way for You with courage, faith, and joy. Like John, may we point others toward Your light. Like Your disciples, may we see the evidence of Your love in the good works unfolding around us each day.

Reflection 2

By Lonnell Battle Late in his life when facing possible execution after being put in prison by King Herod, John the Baptist, the person responsible for preparing the world for the coming of Jesus, began to question if Jesus was truly the one, the Messiah. This is interesting to us today because if John the Baptist can question how he has lived his life, it shows that we might at some point question our own faith. Therefore, how John reacts to his internal conflict is important and sets an example. He cannot do so himself in prison, but he sends his disciples to ask Jesus directly if he is the one, or if it is someone else. This shows us how we should do the same and turn directly to God through prayer when we have questions or even doubts about what is true, and He will hear us and help us.

You probably also noticed and wondered about how Jesus gave the disciples an immediate answer to take back to John, although not a direct yes. He tells them to go to John and tell him what they have witnessed – the blind can see, the lame can walk, and the dead are raised, among other miracles. Jesus also assures the disciples that John the Baptist is the messenger who was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus sends John the Baptist an answer that shows rather than tells that he is the One. What I particularly appreciate about this is Jesus’ demonstration that our actions can speak louder than words. He does not say He is the Messiah, and instead He shows that He is the Messiah. To me, this is an invitation to follow his example and show our faith to others by helping those who are in need.

From Prayers for Strength on the Hallow website: “As I begin my day, I turn to You, Lord, and ask for strength. Be my rock whenever the day shakes me. Guide me through the day as I navigate choppy waters that might come my way. Empower me to speak up when I need to, even if my voice shakes. Help me to feel tall in situations that make me small. Be the light that empowers me in darkness. Most of all, help me feel Your loving embrace this day and all days. Amen.”

The Fourth Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 7: 10-14 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then he said: Listen, house of David! Is it not enough that you weary human beings? Must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.

Reflection

By Gina Garcia We are constantly wishing for signs from God about whether a decision we are about to make is a right one, or even which decision to make. We live in a world where we are told to follow the science and in a world in which God is being erased from public discourse. Even those of faith can sometimes wonder or look for signs. We look for even the smallest glimmer of hope for something positive.

And yet, this reading reminds us that people have always searched for signs, and that God has always provided them. Signs of his goodness and mercy abound, and yet we often do not see them. God even tells Ahaz to ask for a sign assuring him that he can look “as deep as the netherworld or high as the sky!’’

Ahaz replies, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Isaiah then explains that God will provide the perfect sign, “the Virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” In this sign is the New Adam, our Messiah who will come to us both human and Divine to restore the world lost in sin.

As we approach the final week of Advent, at a time when Christmas has become a time for consumerism, gifts, elves, snowman, Santa Claus and vacations, in a world that in many ways is also lost in sin, we find hope as we approach the Birth of Our Lord, as we remember with great joy that God has given us in the birth of Jesus the greatest sign, our hope and our Savior! We need not look to God to ask for signs because in the birth of Our Lord is our every hope, and we have no further need for any other sign, and no other sign could fill us with more joy and more hope.

Again, we are reminded by our patron, St. Francis de Sales to “Be at peace. Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope as they arise.”

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24: 1-6 A psalm of David.

The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers.

Who may go up the mountain of the LORD? Who can stand in his holy place?

“The clean of hand and pure of heart, who has not given his soul to useless things, what is vain.

He will receive blessings from the LORD, and justice from his saving God. Such is the generation that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.”

Reflection

By Chris O’Hara Throughout the entire season of Advent, but particularly within this Responsorial Psalm, I hear the echoes of my mother repeating one of her favorite phrases: “It is easier said than done.” Throughout my youth, she often offered this lovingly as reassurance when my efforts fell short of my and/or her expectations. Even more recently, I have found myself suspended in the gray area between intention and action out of fear, doubt, or the false comfort of endless discernment. Often mistaking waiting for wisdom, some to-do items remain unchecked from last Advent (or that of years before). As I grow older and accumulate more shortcomings, though, I have also come to know my mother’s phrase as a call–a challenge upon which the entire basis of my faith was and remains predicated.

We rarely even have the ability to anticipate what is to come, yet it remains much more challenging to actually show up and surrender to what (or, in this case, who) we may encounter. Yet, similar to Jesus’ call to “knock” (Matthew 7:7-8), being called to “Let the Lord enter” not only compels us to show-up but it also reassures us that we will constantly be met with love–even if we fail to surrender–which is designed to give us the very confidence we need to do just that. Nevertheless, this remains easier said than done.

Educators reflect God’s patience and support in this way while our students encounter new information and experiences every day. We share knowledge and encourage collaboration–perhaps with less of a response than we would hope for or like. Regardless, here we are. So, as we naturally anticipate and plan in response, let us also aim to acknowledge that implementing said response is easier said than done. However, just as God constantly waits for us and illustrates this through today’s readings, let us learn from His example of patience, presence and reassurance so that we can strive to model that for our students as well.

God, I thank you for the times this day we have been together and worked together.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Second Reading Romans 1: 1-7 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

By Stephen Crooker Saint Paul begins his holy letter with what may seem an odd reversal in titles – “Christ Jesus” but this is not the case. Saint Paul wants us to clearly understand that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Savior of the world. He inverts the titles for a specific reason to let his readers know that Jesus is Lord, Savior, King of Kings and the Messiah, or in Greek Christos.

The Letter to Romans was both an introduction to his fellow Christians in Rome and a warning, noting the concern of sin, division and rancor that divided Rome and its gathering of Christians. To begin his letter with a vivid reminder that Jesus is both Lord and Christos, the Romans must affix their minds and hearts on the Lord entirely.

In this Advent season, now in the Fourth Sunday, we must ask the same? Do we hear Saint Paul echo through time with the very same and critical message – Is Jesus the Christos of our lives or is a secondary partner? There is time for change, as Christmas is near! Put Our Lord as the first and foremost goal in our lives.

“O God, who see how your people faithfully await the feast of the Lord's Nativity, enable us, we pray, to attain the joys of so great a salvation and to celebrate them always with solemn worship and glad rejoicing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.”

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 1: 18-24 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.

Reflection

By Molly McGraw Recently, a friend told me that she most often prays to Joseph for his intercession. This came as a bit of a surprise to me because, as a woman, my first instinct is to go to the feet of our Blessed Mother. When I asked my friend “Why Joseph?”, she told me that he’s a helpful figure for her when she’s facing difficult circumstances. Concretely, Joseph was engaged to a beautiful young woman, finds out that she is pregnant with a baby that is not his, tries to do the right thing by divorcing her without drawing attention to how he, seemingly, had been wronged, is told to trust and take this woman into his house anyway, gets chased out of his own country when Herod pursues his family, raises Jesus as his own without being able to see his face in his own child’s face, and dies young.

His life was a hard one. Undoubtedly, he experienced great joy–after all, he lived alongside the most beautiful woman in the world and watched Jesus become a man. But he also experienced, I’m sure, great pain, doubt, anger, fear and uncertainty. This is why my friend prays for his intercession and why I have also begun to implore his help. At the top of each page of my journal, I write one line from Mary’s Fiat: “Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word.” This is a reminder to me of Mary’s radical acceptance of God’s hand in her life. It is a reminder to me that I desire the same radical openness to life and all of its circumstances. And while Mary and Christ continue to be the models, I find great solace in Joseph and his situation. In his obedience, he must also have questioned and he must also have been confused by his lot. He was a man who desired to live a good and Godly life and was thrust into the apex of salvation history without a clear roadmap or explanation.

My prayer is that we can respond to the Lord’s call in our own lives with the same conviction: “When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.”

Whatever our situation may be, whatever the Lord requires of us, I pray that this is our response. Even in our own pain, doubt, anger, fear and uncertainty, may we follow Joseph’s example.

St. Joseph, pray for us.

Christmas Day First Reading Isaiah 52: 7-10 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Listen! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, For they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD’s return to Zion.

Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted his people, has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth can see the salvation of our God.

Reflection

By Betty Loia Like all parents, my husband and I variously enjoyed and endured being awakened at dawn by the sound of our children’s eager feet leaping from their beds, paddling down the hall, and sneaking down the stairs for a peak at the bounty under the Christmas tree. After excited whispers and fetching a baby sister or brother from his crib, we heard those sweet little feet run back to our room to wake us up with the news, “Wake up, wake up, Mommy, Daddy! It’s Christmas!” Is it possible that we had forgotten what day it was? No matter, this was news too good not to announce!

In the ancient world, after a victory in battle a runner would be dispatched to carry the good news back to those waiting, ever anxious for word from the battlefield. What joy to hear the “glad tidings, announcing peace” that brothers, sons, husbands, and fathers would be returning home! The enemy had been defeated and was not approaching to overtake and destroy us!

Isaiah draws on this in his announcement of the Messiah. Here comes his messenger running on those swift, beautiful feet to bring the message of “good news announcing salvation,” and saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” The Messiah is here! The enemy has been defeated! Christmas is here for all the ends of the earth.

How many years have I heard this message of Isaiah? My little “sentinels” don’t shout for joy anymore, but rather all outsleep me on Christmas morning. Now my husband and I will have to wait until our grandsons are a little older to hear their own beautiful feet running to announce to the family the joy of Christmas.

Thank you, Lord, for the joy and comfort of the glad tidings of your birth. Bless all those who are heralds of the Good News of your coming into the world. Bless the Bishop Ireton community and all our families and friends and let us know your salvation this Christmas.

Christmas Day Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98: 1-6 Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done marvelous deeds.

His right hand and holy arm have won the victory.

The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations, He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.

Sing praise to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy to the King, the LORD.

Reflection

By Rebecca Vaccaro In his Advent and Christmas reflection For the Time Being: A Christmas Oration, W. H. Auden expresses what is a common Christmas experience for many Christians in the modern world: Well, so that is that. Now we must dismantle the tree, Putting the decorations back into their cardboard boxes -Some have got broken -- and carrying them up to the attic.

The holly and the mistletoe must be taken down and burnt, And the children got ready for school. There are enough Left-overs to do, warmed-up, for the rest of the week -Not that we have much appetite, having drunk such a lot, Stayed up so late, attempted -- quite unsuccessfully -To love all of our relatives, and in general Grossly overestimated our powers.

This description, while accurate, is also disappointing and deflating. Why does the season so frequently seem to revolve around unmet expectations and preparations for a celebration that never quite seems to live up to the hype? Where is the joy of Christmas? Why does it seem to exist more in our memories or expectations than in our lived experiences?

The simple answer to these questions is expressed well in the bumper-sticker slogan “Keep Christ in Christmas.” This is much easier said than done, however. In large part, this is because, as Auden’s poem reminds us, we so often make Christmas about ourselves: our parties, our family, our drama. Who we lose sight of is Christ. Without Him as our focus, our celebrations are bound to fall flat.

On this Christmas Day, let’s try to remember that the true miracle of Christmas is that “[a]ll the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” He has revealed His kindness, faithfulness and justice; the victory has been won and salvation is available to all. We simply need to recognize it.

Thus, the coming and going of Christmas, while it may still feel mundane and deflating, does not need be that way. Christ is here. We can make this season one of continuing joy if we choose to.

Prayer: Lord, the Christmas season can often feel overwhelming. Please help us to maintain perspective. Help us to be like Christ’s parents, whose faith, hope, and love allowed Christ to enter the world at Christmas.

Help us to pray Auden’s prayer to the Holy Family: Blessed Woman, Excellent Man, Redeem for the dull the Average Way, That common ungifted Natures may Believe that their normal Vision can Walk to perfection.

Christmas Day Second Reading Hebrews 1: 1-6 In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.”

Reflection

By Tim Guy My first act, after offering to write this reflection and selecting this reading, was to look up the word “refulgence”. Perhaps you are already familiar with its meaning, but I was not. Refulgence refers to a quality of brilliance, a radiance of light that emanates from its source outward. It is the light we see depicted in the rays around a child’s drawing of the sun, and it is the reflected light of the full moon— shining in the dark night, even though the moon is not the origin of the light itself.

This is the image Hebrews gives us of Jesus. The Son is “the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being.” God’s light does not only surround Jesus. The light is Jesus. This truth is why John’s Gospel reading for today proclaims so directly: “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world” (Jn 1:9).

This is the truth of Christmas. God does not remain distant. God does not only speak through prophets or angels. God comes into the world as Light Himself.

So much of our life in Catholic education is about helping our students learn to trust this light—not just as knowledge, but as reality. We are not the source. We are not meant to manufacture the light ourselves. But we can receive it. And we can reflect it. In Advent, we ask again to become not people who admire the light from afar, but as “children of the light” who reflect a hope and trust in God’s love for us.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Christmas Day Gospel Reading John 1: 1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Reflection

By Nicole DiLorenzo In the beginning of the reading, John mentions that the Word always existed and that without the Word, nothing would exist. John explains that he was sent here to share the “light” of the Word with everyone and to let them know about the coming of Jesus. While some believed in something greater than themselves, there were others who did not believe that. When I listened to the Bible in a Year, I remember God being angry with His people because of the sins they were committing.

When John writes “Word made flesh,” he means that God chose to reach us in a more personal way, through Jesus. Maybe he felt that if he brought Jesus to our world, people would have more faith.

Today, we are often surrounded by negativity, division and constant noise. The message of God’s Word feels more essential than ever. Despite the challenges we face, we must look at the positive. The “light of Christ” continues to shine through acts of love, kindness, and compassion.

One of the things I appreciate most about being part of the Bishop Ireton community is seeing that light reflected in everyday moments. These moments I see are through the thoughtfulness and warmth of my colleagues or the way our students show compassion and empathy for other students, especially those in the Options program. These small acts of kindness give me hope for the future and remind me that kindness is still very much alive in our world.