As we journey through the second week of Advent, we are called to prepare our hearts with renewed hope and openness to God’s transforming presence. From John the Baptist’s urgent call to repentance to Isaiah’s vision of harmony and peace, this week’s readings invite us to welcome Christ into our lives—even in unexpected ways—and to trust in God’s strength when we feel weary or lost.
The Newman University community offers these reflections to help us recognize God’s messengers and embrace the grace that has already chosen us from the foundation of the world.
Sunday, December 7 – Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
Sarah Harbaugh ASC ‘23 alumna
In today’s Gospel, we hear John the Baptist proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” as he begins to help the people prepare the way for the Lord. During this season of Advent, we are all called to prepare our hearts for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The passage from Isaiah and St. Paul’s letter to the Romans help us find ways to ready our hearts for the season.
In Isaiah, there is this beautiful imagery of the wolf being a guest of the lamb, the leopard lying with the kid, and the calf and the young lion roaming together, along with other pairs that we do not typically think of living in harmony with one another. Then again, in St. Paul’s letter we are reminded by Paul to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. This is a call find harmony within ourselves and then harmony with the world around us. As we prepare ourselves during Advent, how are we called to welcome a guest whom we may not typically invite into our homes? What is something you can do to be a source of welcome like God has welcomed you?
Monday, December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26
Marguerite Regan, Center for Teaching & Learning Director
In Ephesians, Paul says that God “chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” to be holy and blameless in love. What more is there to know? We are created in the image of God and beloved from the beginning, yet we forget this grace and drift from God, absorbed by overflowing inboxes, to-do lists, campus crises, and the fear that we are always behind.
Mary’s “yes” to Gabriel shows another way: a heart awake, listening, ready to receive the Lord into life, with all its risk and uncertainty. In her “yes” we glimpse our own calling: to trust that nothing will be impossible for God. Advent invites us to receive the love that has already chosen us. Come, Lord Jesus.
Tuesday, December 9
Isaiah 40:1-11; Matthew 18:12-14
Daniel Carsey, ’02, Board of Trustee Member
Are we alone when we stray from God? Isaiah reminds us that God is our strength when we are weak, the light in our darkness, and the truth amid our broken World. No matter our faults, God makes way to comfort us as his children, no matter the challenges. God’s power and care can conquer the impossible in our lives when we proclaim our faith in Him and love for Him.
In that same vein, Matthew further reminds us that everyone is precious, and worthy of God’s love and we are never alone (even when we think we are). God desires relationship with us no matter how far we stray and all we must do is turn toward His call and loving embrace with our faith. No matter how far we stray, God is always there. God’s love and grace is never ending and for that may we are each blessed forever.
Wednesday, December 10
Isaiah 40:25-31; Matthew 11:28-30
Elginique Dames, Student
When I read Isaiah’s promise, “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength,” I feel hope rising in me. Lately, I’ve carried worries heavier than I can manage, but in Matthew Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary,” and those words calm my heart. They remind me I’m not alone. God meets me in my weakness, lifts my spirit, and gives me courage to keep going. God’s strength becomes my strength. As we move forward with renewed faith, let us remember to place our burdens in His hands and trust His loving care each day.
Thursday, December 11
Isaiah 41:13-20; Matthew 11:11-15
Thomas Shaw, Seminarian Student
The readings for today reflect well one of the purposes of Advent: to prepare for the end of the world, the second coming of Christ. Isaiah speaks of the power with which God will come and destroy all against Him and help those for Him. Matthew also speaks of the terrifyingly great nature of Christ and His coming. The fact that even the greatest among men is nothing compared to the least in the kingdom of heaven is something that ought to inspire us and lead us, in fear of the Lord, to strive for heaven.
Friday, December 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe
Isaiah 48: 17-19; Matthew 11:16-19
Trish Keller, Mission Animator, Southwest Kansas Program
God is coming to dwell among us, Zechariah proclaims. Really?! Our transcendent, all-powerful,
all-loving God seeks us—stressed-out, jealous, anxious us? If we need convincing that we’re “good enough” for God, Luke’s annunciation story can help. Gabriel’s words to Mary, “the Lord is with you” and “do not be afraid,” can reassure us when we doubt, fear, or struggle to trust in God. Today’s Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrates Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego, an Indigenous peasant. Through Mary, God broke into our human messiness. Let it be done to us according to his word.
Saturday, December 13
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17: 10-13
Monica Franz, Archivist
In Sirach and Matthew we see a focus on the prophet Elijah, the first referring to his miraculous life and a return that is prophesized, and the second showing how Jesus identifies John the Baptist as that foretold Elijah. Both readings serve as a call to listen to God and to repent. We must remember; happy are those who will see God and those who die in love, so that we too shall live. The readings highlight the theme of people failing to recognize God’s messengers or the fulfillment of prophecy. Let us be open and to turn to God and his messages, even when they appear in unexpected ways.
