Christmas is supposed to be a season of hope — a season of joy and gladness, when everyone seems to be celebrating — and yet, sometimes in our own hearts, there is darkness. The Lord wants to give each one of us hope, especially at Christmas, but it requires openness and trust. We must be open to Him entering our lives. We must listen to His word in Scripture. We must spend time in His presence. We must allow Him to speak to our hearts. And if we do that — if we invite Him into the brokenness, the hopelessness, the darkness within us — He can cast out that darkness and give us light.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 7:10–14 | Rom 1:1–7 | Mt 1:18–24 

John and his disciples in today's gospel are confused because Jesus comes bringing not retribution, but restoration. Thankfully, God doesn’t think like we do. The world’s retribution may still come for those who reject Jesus, but for those who trust him, there is healing; hope; restoration. God’s intention is that we not walk alone; that we not wander, lost in the darkness. He comes to meet us, making a path for us to restore our well-being and our wholeness. All you have to do is make some room, open your heart to God, and see what He does.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 35:1–6a, 10 | Jas 5:7–10 | Mt 11:2–11

With God, grace is eternal; it's not linear. And we, too, can become "full of grace" when we receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
 
Readings at this Mass: Gn 3:9–15, 20 | Eph 1:3–6, 11–12 | Lk 1:26–38

Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas, but also an invitation to let Christ’s light break into those dark places in our souls. If we’re honest, our lives aren’t where they should be. We are sinners; we’ve fallen short. Catholics sometimes get criticized for “guilt trips,” but the opposite is worse: pretending everything is fine and nothing is considered sinful. What we need is a reality check: yes, we do sin, but God’s grace is more powerful, and He can forgive and heal anyone no matter how deep the offense. That is the gift encompassed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 11:1–10 | Rom 15:4–9 | Mt 3:1–12

Advent is a time to prepare ourselves for Christmas, to remember that Christ coming into the world is meant to drive out darkness. During these four weeks of preparation, we can join in His work by pushing back the darkness in our own lives. What can you do this Advent to drive out the darkness, even a little? Think of where it is coming from: your screens, your phone, relationships with patterns of negativity or sin? Choose one area where you will push back the darkness and stop letting it enter your life — and in your own small way, in preparation for Christ’s coming, put on the armor of light.
 
Readings at this Mass: Is 2:1–5 | Rom 13:11–14 | Mt 24:37–44

What are you thankful for? That’s the question Fr. Bill asks of our Thanksgiving Day Mass attendees, reminding us that we are called to be people of thanksgiving — the word eucharist itself comes from the Greek word for 'thanksgiving'. Consider what you are thankful for as you listen to their responses!
 
Readings at this Mass: Sir 50:22-24 | 1 Cor 1:3-9 | Lk 17:11-19

More and more, it’s becoming impossible for us to talk about our challenges as a country. It doesn’t matter if the issue is cultural, moral, economic, political, whatever — the conversation quickly gravitates towards the extremes. So our problems remain, our divisions deepen, and we don’t go anywhere as a people. Politics is not king. Tribalism is not king. Anger and fear, hatred and shame, cruelty and violence — they’re not king, either. Jesus is king. At least in our lives, it’s time we restore Him to the throne.
 
Readings at this Mass: 2 Sm 5:1–3, Col 1:12–20, Lk 23:35–43 

There is no resurrection without the cross. The trials and losses we experience – our own mini "end-times" – can become the very means by which our lives are transformed, take on deeper meaning, and prepare us to meet Christ in heaven. Consider a loss or painful trial, past or present, and bring it to Jesus in prayer, asking, "Lord, how have you used/how are you using this trial in my life to deepen my faith and prepare me for heaven?" Then, being open to God's grace, watch how He moves you.
 
Readings at this Mass:  Mal 3:19-20a | 2 Thes 3:7-12 | Lk 21:5-19