December 2025

St. John stands as a prominent figure and an authoritative voice bridging the apostolic and post-apostolic eras. In his writings, especially the letters frequently read during Christmastide and Easter, he presents what legal minds might call primary evidence. He speaks consistently of what “they,” referring to the earliest followers of Jesus Christ, saw, heard, and […]

I work at one of our hospitals here in San Diego as a chaplain. At times, I experience role tension during my visits, especially when I begin to function as a priest by counseling or “helping” patients, rather than supporting them in the distinct ways chaplains do. Hospital caregivers invite chaplains to visit any patient,

Once again, our Advent preparations are gradually drawing to a close. This week, the fourth in the season, we advance into our last week of preparations for Christmas. I suppose we’ve had a good time, despite our challenges, following up on our commitments, attending Mass on Sundays and weekdays when possible, going to confession, reaching

After hearing the exchange between Jesus, the chief priests, and the elders, the word that stands out to me is ‘authority.’ Ultimately, all authority belongs to God. The authority that human beings exercise is limited and purposeful. By questioning Jesus’ authority to teach about love, freedom, and grace, the chief priest and elders of the

The Church designates the Third Sunday of Advent as Gaudete Sunday, a term that means “rejoice.” This joy is not superficial or complete, but anticipatory, rooted in the nearness of Christmas. The tone of today’s liturgical prayers and readings directs our attention to this expectant joy, inviting us to rejoice because the fulfillment of God’s

Today’s first reading comes from one of the consolation chapters of the Prophet Isaiah (41:14–20). It confirms that our relationship with God is rooted in a covenant of love, one in which God continually steps forward to redeem and restore us. It is not a contract bound by terms and conditions; rather, it is a

Advent is a crucial season of preparation, not only for Christmas, but for our entire Christian life. Each time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask that God’s Kingdom come and His will be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” What would that prayer mean for you today; how would you understand it?

Advent is a special time for renewal and growth, and this information is crucial to help us anchor our reflections. As we celebrate today, let us continue to reflect on what the season means to us and how we could make the best of it on our spiritual and physical journeys.  

Brothers and sisters, two isolated but related events stand out in today’s celebration. One is the beginning of the Church’s new year, and the other is the First Sunday of Advent. I said they are related because the First Sunday of Advent is also the first day of the Church’s New Year. As our lives