As we gather on this Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday—”Rejoice Sunday”—we light the rose-colored candle on our wreath, a sign that our waiting is almost over. Yet today’s Gospel brings us a story that might surprise us. John the Baptist, that bold prophet who fearlessly called people to repentance, who baptized Jesus himself in the Jordan River, now sits in prison with a gnawing question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)
John doubted. Let that sink in for a moment. The very prophet who prepared the way for Jesus, who recognized him as the Lamb of God, now wonders if he got it right. Perhaps John expected a different kind of Messiah—one who would come with harsh judgment, toppling oppressors and establishing God’s kingdom with fire and force. Instead, from his dark prison cell, John hears reports of a gentle healer, a compassionate teacher, someone who eats with sinners and welcomes the outcast.
What strikes me most about this Gospel is Jesus’ response. He doesn’t scold John for doubting. He doesn’t rebuke him for wavering. Instead, with remarkable gentleness, Jesus simply says: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them” (Matthew 11:4-5).
Look at the fruit of my works, Jesus is saying. See the healing. Witness the love. Notice the forgiveness flowing like living water into parched lives. This is who I am. This is the Kingdom of God breaking into your world—not with thunder and lightning, but with tender mercy. In our complicated world, where so much pain and suffering surrounds us—wars that won’t end, divisions that cut through families and communities, injustices that break our hearts—we too may find ourselves doubting. Is this message of hope still relevant? Can love really overcome hatred? Does forgiveness have any power in a world that seems to prize revenge?
During our Advent retreat evening on Tuesday, we explored the themes of wonder, balance, and mystery. These three companions help us navigate our doubts not by eliminating them, but by transforming them. Doubt, when held in faith, becomes a muscle that strengthens our trust in God. Wonder opens our eyes to see God’s presence even in unexpected places. Balance helps us stand steady when the world tilts wildly. Mystery invites us to embrace what we cannot fully understand, trusting that God’s ways are higher than our ways.
This Third Sunday of Advent calls us to be people of hope and joy. We need to believe—really believe—that Christ’s message is relevant today for the whole world and for us personally in our families and communities. We live this hope not with passive expectation, but with active participation. Like Jesus, we are called to produce fruit: to be people of healing, forgiveness, and love.
As we enter this final week or so before Christmas, I invite you to think about how you can spread the love, healing, and forgiveness of Christ. Think about those people in your life who have hurt you—can you take a step toward healing? Consider our communities, broken by divisions on all sides—how can we create spaces for compassionate encounters? Look at our world, polarized and hurting—how can we be people who listen and reach out across the divides, bridging our longing with our belonging?
This Monday evening at 7:00 PM, we invite you to experience the healing mercy of Christ at our Communal Sacrament of Reconciliation. Christine Moore will be our presider, and she has a wonderful way with words that opens hearts to God’s tender forgiveness. Our three priests will be joined by three Jesuits for confessions, offering you ample opportunity to encounter Christ’s compassion. What better way to prepare for Christmas than to let go of what weighs us down and receive the gift of God’s mercy? Come join us for this beautiful evening of grace.
I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone who joined us for our wonderful Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert last Saturday evening. What a beautiful night of joy and community! A special thank you to Cisco and Kristina Rivera, supported by the Schaufler family, for coordinating the lights again this year. From the special Pray for Peace sign, to the entry lights, campus decor, and magnificent outdoor tree! It was so fun to see and hear everyone counting down to light the tree. Thank you to the St. Simon cheerleaders for serving delicious hot chocolate and cookies and to the small but mighty team of volunteers and staff who set-up, greeted, served, cleaned-up and provided all the behind the scenes lighting and sound.
It was an amazing concert! Thank you to John Angotti and his talented band, along with our own Meredith Augustin, for the inspiring concert. The Children’s Choir under the direction of Ms. Chynna Cavales sang beautifully. Their music filled our hearts with the spirit of Advent. Thank you to the Pastoral Staff for their support and thank you ALL for bringing your light and joy to our community! Now, we go out and share it with others.
I hope you’ll join us on Tuesday at 7pm for our last Advent retreat evening, Joy As Preparation, as we wait together during these final days of Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of Emmanuel—God with us.
Like John the Baptist, may we bring our doubts to Jesus, trusting that he will gently show us the fruit of his presence: healing for the broken, sight for those in darkness, hope for the weary, and love that never fails.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan