We are moving forward in our Advent observance as we anticipate once again the incredible Mystery of the Incarnation, in which the Son of God chose to take on our humanity so that through him, we could be gifted to share in his divinity.

We are gifted this year (2025) with a Jubilee of Grace, the theme Pope Francis chose as its focus: Pilgrims of Hope. This holy year can be a light of hope in the darkness as we live in a world in which hope seems so illusory and out of our grasp. So much of our world is involved in wars in which powerful weapons obliterate cities and leave death, misery, and destruction in their ongoing advancement. So many of the people of the world live in poverty and starvation. Refugees suffering from war, persecution, and hunger are mercilessly turned away from the borders of so many possible havens. The impact of climate change exacerbates stable populations through floods, droughts, fires, and other natural disasters.

Is there really any reason to hope? YES! In our first reading, Isaiah proclaims the greatness of our God who has always come to save us: “Behold our God in whom we looked to save us! This is the Lord for whom we looked. Let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us.” The God of our fathers has always been with his people to save them and give them hope.

In the second reading, Jesus feeds the thousands who have come to hear his message. This ministry of living bread and wine continues in our own day as we are invited to eat the Body and drink the Blood of the Lord, who nourishes us to go forth and be beacons of hope in a broken and suffering world.

Let Us Pray:

God of creation, you will only be the best for all that is. Give each and all of us an abundance of grace so that we might be beacons of hope to a world lost in darkness. Amen.