Second Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2025 Second Sunday of Advent Year A Matthew 3:1–12 Let me share with three D’s for today’s reflection: I called it the 3 D’s of our conversion. First, DECIDE The voice of John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness confronts us with a choice: to remain comfortable in our old ways or to decide for God. “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” is not just an announcement; it is a divine invitation to make a firm and personal decision to change. Faith is not passive. It begins the moment we decide to turn our hearts toward God, to admit our need for mercy, and to choose obedience over convenience. Advent reminds us that preparing the way of the Lord always begins with a courageous decision of the heart. Second, DEPART True repentance calls us to depart from what keeps us tied to sin and spiritual laziness. John’s strong imagery of the axe at the root of the tree shows us that God desires a clean break, not a shallow adjustment. Departing means walking away from pride, unforgiveness, dishonesty, and all the hidden sins we have become used to. It also means letting go of false securities and self-righteousness, just as John challenged the Pharisees to stop depending on their lineage and start living authentic lives of faith. This departure is painful at times, but it is necessary for genuine freedom. Finally, DEEPEN The coming of Christ, who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, calls us to deepen our relationship with God. This fire is not meant to destroy but to transform, leading us into a more intimate, more mature, and more passionate faith. Deepening means growing in prayer, love, humility, and trust, allowing the Spirit to reveal the depths of God’s will in our lives. When we decide for God, depart from sin, and deepen our communion with Him, we truly prepare the way of the Lord and allow His Kingdom to take root in our hearts. Blessings Fr. Jhack