First Sunday: Hope.

In today’s second reading, St. Paul writes: “our salvation is nearer now … the night is advanced, the day is at hand.” (Rom 13:11-12) No matter how bleak things seem around us, God lifts us up by promising the light of salvation. We can reflect: What are the dark places in my life where God has shone his light? What am I hopeful for?

Second Sunday: Faith.

Today’s Gospel reminds us that we will be judged, as God will “gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” (Mt 3:12) But the readings also give us a set of instructions for how to live out our faith: “Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Rom 15:7) If we truly love all people, we will be the precious wheat gathered by our God. Let’s reflect: When have I welcomed others in my life – and truly loved them? In what ways can I do this now?

Third Sunday: Joy.

God’s grace is so redemptive that even “the desert and the parched land will exult … they will bloom with abundant flowers.” (Is 35:1) God promises that the “deserts” in our lives will be filled, and this joyful promise of salvation should help us to “Be strong, fear not!” (Is 35:4) So, let us reflect: Where has God’s grace bloomed in the deserts of my life? In what ways am I afraid, and how can I use God’s promise of salvation to strengthen me?

Fourth Sunday: Peace.

God also promises us his healing peace by sending his Son into our broken world: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, ‘God is with us.’” (Mt 1:23) In so doing, we are “called to belong to Jesus Christ … to be holy.” (Rom 1:6-7) We should feel at peace knowing God’s powerful presence among us. We should also feel encouraged to bring peace to our world, as we called to do. We can reflect: How has God brought peace into my heart? How can I bring peace to others?

We have reached the end of Advent. Let us rejoice now, for the Lord is with us!