Catholic Faith Formation Resources

In the Gospel reading today for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we hear about the coming birth of Jesus, our Savior, from Joseph's perspective. We light the last violet candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance, as we begin to focus on the Mystery of the Incarnation, of Emmanuel—"God is with us." It is traditionally called the "Angel's" candle that symbolizes peace, and reminding us of the message of the angels at Jesus's birth, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14). Since at least the eighth century, the Church has been singing the " O Antiphons * during Advent." These are the antiphons that accompany the Magnificat Canticle of Evening Prayer from December 17–23. Daily Readings for Today Isaiah 10:7-14; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24 Commentary on the Daily Readings from Living Space Reflect on the following excerpt from today's Gospel read...

In the Gospel reading today for the Third Sunday of Advent, the prophet John sends a message from prison to Jesus, asking Jesus whether he is the Messiah for whom John has been waiting. Jesus responds by relaying the miracles and deeds he has performed and asking John and others to make their own decision. Jesus also praises John for preparing the Way, but saying that those who work for the Kingdom of God will be as great as John, or even greater. The Third Sunday is called "Gaudete Sunday," that comes from the first word of the Latin Entrance Antiphon for this day, taken from Philippians 4:4,5 ("Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice! The Lord is near”). It is symbolized with the lighting during Mass today of the rose-colored candle, traditionally called the "Shepherd's" candle, or the candle of "Joy," as we be momentarily shift away from repentance to remind us of the joy that our salvation is near with the birth of Jesus. Daily Re...

How do you dedicate time, space, and yourself to be present in silence with God without distractions? If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit that we are hungry—hungry for an authentic encounter with God, and hoping to have our lives transformed by that encounter. We want to experience God now and through that experience to find meaning, purpose, fulfillment, and joy in our lives. Advent is a time of new beginning, expectation, and hope for the future. It is a time to step back from the whirlwind of life, to look back on what has happened to us, to take stock of where we are at this moment in our lives, and to make any necessary changes for a better future now and, with God’s grace, throughout eternity. Advent calls us to a deep, passionate surrender of ourselves to our loving God. Allow us this Advent to reclaim for ourselves a sense of wonder and awe at the mystery of God at the depth of our being. Our prayer is simply one of “being real with God” and letting God “in” t...

The Gospel reading for the Second Sunday of Advent, December 4, focuses on the ministry and preaching of John the Baptist, who has come to "Prepare the way of the Lord," calling people to turn back to God, and offering the promise of the One who will come and "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." The second purple candle we light today during Mass symbolizes Peace , as we prepare to receive Jesus Christ, the "Prince of Peace," and it is traditionally called the "Bethlehem" candle, as we also remember Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem. Daily Readings for Today Isaiah 11:1–10; Ps 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17; Romans 15:4–9; Matthew 3:1–12 Commentary on the Daily Readings from Living Space Reflect on the following excerpt from today's Gospel reading: I [John the Baptist] am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy ...

The readings for the First Sunday of Advent, November 27, focus on the "End Times" and the "Second Coming of the Lord ." The Gospel reading is an excerpt from the apocalyptic discourse of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew. The purple candle we light today during Mass is traditionally called the "Prophet's" candle, symbolizing Hope . It is the remembrance of the hope that people had in the promises foretold by the prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures of the coming of the Messiah, which was fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. Daily Readings for Today Isaiah 2:1–5; Ps 122:1–2, 3–4, 4–5, 6–7, 8–9; Romans 13:1–14; Matthew 24:37–44 Commentary on the Daily Readings from Living Space Reflect on the following excerpt from today's Gospel reading: For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he woul...

"PREPARE TO RECEIVE AND SEE THE LIGHT" The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness–on them light has shined” (Isaiah 9:2) Advent begins on Sunday, November 27 and ends on the Christmas Vigil, December 24. How are you preparing for Advent and Christmas? During this Advent season, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds to reflect on and to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of our Lord on Christmas, and our longing and hope for the continual coming of Christ into our minds, hearts, and lives now and at the end of time. The liturgical readings during Advent "call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of the world" ( USCCB ). Unfortunately, the frantic hustle and bustle to purchase and do things in hope of having “Happy Holidays” often distracts us from this preparation, and from the true meaning and purpose of the Advent and Christmas Seasons. Chri...