Morena – Good morning.
Scripture reflection: Second Sunday of Advent Year A, 7 December 2025.
Introduction: The Journey of Advent
As we continue our Advent journey, the theme of Hope remains central. On this Second Sunday, both the psalm and Paul’s letter remind us to seek Peace—within ourselves and as a community. Grounded in Hope, this Peace calls us to become agents of justice and compassion for others (Romans 15:13; Psalm 72:7).
Facing Fear in a Troubled World
We live in a world where aggression and violence seem to be increasing. In such times, fear can easily take hold, causing us to withdraw and remain silent about our concerns. While some may see this as a realistic response, it can lead to mistrust and isolation. Many people struggle to balance their lives, afraid to speak out for fear of reprisal. Yet, scripture reminds us: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). God’s presence offers comfort and courage in the face of uncertainty.
The Promise of the Messiah
In contrast to fear, the first reading from Isaiah offers hope. It describes the coming Messiah, upon whom the spirit of God rests (Isaiah 11:1-2). This figure embodies wisdom, insight, counsel, power, knowledge, integrity, and reverence—gifts that challenge us to live differently, with faith and trust. In Catholic tradition, these are the gifts of the Holy Spirit, given to empower us to make a difference in the world (Galatians 5:22-23).
From Fear to Faith: The Call of John the Baptist
The gospel introduces John the Baptist, whose message urges us to move from fear to faith. He reminds us of the importance of repentance—facing our failures and choosing to live in a new way (Matthew 3:1-12). This transformation is not just about leaving behind old habits, but about embracing a life grounded in faith, love, and service. We are called to reach out, to be peacemakers, and to seek justice for all (Matthew 5:9; Micah 6:8).
The Example of Jesus
Our Messiah, Jesus, leads us by example. Through his life, love, and compassion, he reveals the heart of God—“slow to anger and full of compassion” (Psalm 103:8). As we follow him, we are invited to break free from the constraints of fear and to build a community marked by acceptance, love, forgiveness, and justice (John 13:34-35; Colossians 3:12-14).
Building a Community of Hope
As we journey through Advent, let us remember our call to community. This can be our source of hope. By supporting, nurturing, and encouraging one another, we begin the work of building a peaceful kingdom (Romans 12:10-13). Let us prepare to meet Jesus by living as people who choose hope over fear, and who strive to create a community where peace and justice flourish (Isaiah 2:4; James 3:18).
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Isaiah 11:1–10.
Responsorial psalm: Ps 72:1–2, 7–8, 12–13, 17.
Second reading: Romans 15:4–9.
Gospel: Matthew 3:1–12,
Formation: These days have been concluded for 2025. Thank you to all those parishes who participated and shared food, conversation, faith and friendship.
Safeguarding: “Working Together for a Safe Church”
Any complaints should be directed through the National Office of Professional Standards (NOPS) or report directly to the New Zealand Police or Oranga Tamariki.
Phone: 03 365 1993 or 0800 114 622
Email: prof.standards@nzcbc.org.nz
www.safeguarding.catholic.org.nz
Five Ways to Well Being
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals of Passionist Family Groups.
- share & celebrate life & faith
- support one another (especially in need)
- reaching out to & include others
- build community/extended family
- show and give Christian example to children
Please remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- We pray for Pope Leo X1V and confirm his prayer intention for the month of December, which is for “Christians living in areas of conflict.” He invites all Christians to pray “that we may never grow indifferent to the suffering of other Christians, but rather that we may be builders of unity.”
- We pray for Pope Leo XIV and his continued catechesis on the theme of hope – “to hope in life, means to have a foretaste of the goal, to believe as certain what we do not yet see and touch, to trust and entrust ourselves to the love of a father who created us because He willed us in love and wants us to be happy.”
- We pray for all leaders, political and other that they lead with wisdom, honesty and integrity.
- We remember that God calls on us, as people of faith, to offer our voices to help those who have none.
- Keep in mind all those who continue to struggle with mental health challenges, and their families who support them in their daily lives.
- Please remember Elizabeth Walsh and also her husband Tim
- Please keep Bev Postmaa in your prayer and thoughts
- Please remember Ollie Schmanski and his parents Brad and Charlotte
- Please keep Jill Graves and family in your prayer. Also pray for her daughter in law who is in hospital and whose mum died recently.
- Please keep in your prayer Billy Uasiki – also Jocelyn and Family
- Please remember Dee and Peter Costello’s grandson and parents Katelyn and Reuben. The recent news is positive but the prayers will assist.
- Please remember Barry Straight his wife Viv and all the family and extended family.
- Please remember Clare,Daryl Pritchard and family
- Please remember Jocelyn Bryant, Kev and family in your prayer.
- Pease keep Di Buckley in your prayer
- Please remember, Pat Carson; Graeme Matthews; Adrian van de Pas and her son Robert ; Graeme and Margaret Armstrong, Tim Bartells & family, Linda Darbyshire and family in your prayer, Christine Geoghegan’s daughter Kate and extended families, Pauline Prendergast, Robyn Burns (Hill,) Sean and Ann Mulcahy, Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) Paul Davenport, Clair and Ray Hague; Terry Nelson’s family;. Brian and Eleanor McFlynn ; Bryan Davidson; Richard and Sue Gibbs; Martin and Sally van der Wetering; Phil and Anne Drew .
- Keep in mind all those who are struggling with various aspects of mental health;
- Keep people in Gaza and Israel in your prayer along with the people of the people of Ukraine: Keep in prayer the people of Sudan and Syria.
- Pray for peace and sensible and just decisions by leaders across the planet.
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- Your own intentions
Humour:
- Why do bananas wear sunscreen? Because they peel.
- Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honey combs.
- Why did the watch go on vacation? To unwind.
- When is a door not a door? When it’s ajar.
- How does a penguin build a house? Igloos it together.
- Why do melons have weddings? Because they cantaloupe.
- Why did the computer get glasses? To improve its website.
- What did the blanket say to the bed? I’ve got you covered.
- What did the roof say to the shingle? The first one’s on the house.
- What do you call birds that stick together? Velcrows
- Why did the duck fall on the sidewalk? He tripped on a quack.
- How do birds learn to fly? They wing it.
God go with you, Warm regards, Paul
“We Are a “Family for All”