We spend these days looking toward the future, to the second Advent of Christ, when he will return in glory

We are called to carry that light into the dark places of the world in our prayer, words, and acts of charity

God comes to us in the people and simple things of our lives, and this is all part of the recreation of the world that is an essential part of the promise of Advent.

As we continue our Advent watching, pray for the gifts of courage and perseverance.

John calls his desert-followers—and each of us—to Advent honesty and vulnerability. In his clarion call, Advent hope and the hard work of conversion come together.

At its best, our devotion to the Mother of God celebrates the part Mary played in the decisive moments of salvation history.

God’s disciples need to have firmly anchored in their souls the remembrance of their Master, Jesus Christ, and to think of him day and night.

The liturgy today reminds us that, in the fullness of time, we too will enjoy the abundance of God’s table.

Jesus uses their exchange as an opportunity to highlight the truth that, in the fullness of the Reign of God, all peoples—Jews and Gentiles—will have a place at God’s table.