This week, John the Baptist preaches repentance in the wilderness saying that one mightier than he is coming, meaning Jesus, the Messiah. Isaiah tells us that the Messiah will come from the stump of Jesse, meaning the house of King David, and that the Messianic era will establish a new era of peace. Paul reminds the Romans that all should live in harmony, including the Gentiles. The peace, righteousness, and harmony that are hallmarks of the Messianic age are yet to be fully realized in our broken and divided world. But Advent reminds us anew, each year, that there is still work to be done and there is time to repent!

This week's readings:
Gospel – Matthew 3: 1-12
1st Reading – Isaiah 11: 1-10
Psalm 72
2nd Reading – Romans 15: 4-9