The words from John the Baptist in today’s Gospel, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand,” echo across the centuries, calling us to something far deeper than mere regret for our sins. The Greek word Jesus and John use is metanoia—not simply “repent,” but a complete turning around of one’s life, a transformation of mind and heart. It’s a radical reorientation: turning away from self-centeredness and turning toward God and others with renewed purpose.
This Advent, as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, we are invited into this profound metanoia—to pause, reflect, and ask ourselves: What is the true purpose of my life? Am I living in a way that reflects the Kingdom of God?
I’ve been reading The Power of Purpose by Richard Leider and David Shapiro, and their insights resonate deeply with John the Baptist’s call. They remind us that a life of true purpose requires intentional reflection—stopping long enough to consider not just our daily tasks, but our deeper calling. What gets us out of bed each morning? Is it merely checking off to-do lists, or is it something more profound? As disciples of Christ, we are called to live other-focused lives—to seek the good of our neighbor, to serve those in need, and to build up the Kingdom of God here and now.
John the Baptist doesn’t mince words: “Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” It’s not enough to simply claim faith; our lives must bear witness to it. And here at St. Simon Parish, I see that good fruit everywhere. Just last weekend, we put out over 400 Giving Tree tags for Simon Giving Tree – SVdP gift collection for local families & Opportunity Center drive for items for the unhoused and families in need. Within days, every single one was taken! Your generosity moved me deeply—and when those were gone, we put out more tags to support our annual Tijuana Mission Trip, where we will support for their food pantry and college fund, and transform lives in tangible, life-giving ways. Thank you for the gifts and the fruit of your faith.
This is what metanoia looks like in action: turning our hearts outward, choosing to see and respond to the needs of others. But this season, I want to challenge us to go even further. Yes, we care for our children and families—that’s essential. But what about those beyond our immediate circles? What about the neighbor who has lost a loved one this year and now faces the holidays alone? What about the elderly friend whose circle of companions has grown smaller as others have passed away? What about the immigrant family struggling to find belonging in a new place, or the colleague of a different faith who feels isolated during this season?
As Catholic Christians, we are called not just to be neighbors, but to love our neighbors—especially those who are lonely, grieving, or forgotten. This Advent, can we reach out to someone who needs to know they still have purpose, that they are still seen, still valued, still loved?
Speaking of reaching out and building community, I warmly invite you to join us tonight for 5pm Mass, followed by our Christmas Tree Lighting Concert featuring John Angotti and his band, along with our own Meredith Augustin. This promises to be a beautiful evening of music, fellowship, and joy as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Bring a friend, bring a neighbor—especially someone who might be feeling lonely this season. Let the music lift your spirits and draw you deeper into the wonder of Advent. It’s a perfect way to step out of the busyness and into the Christmas spirit together as a community.
I also invite you to our 2nd Advent Retreat evening, “Finding Joy” on Tuesday, December 9th at 7pm in the Church. Please come and take some time for yourself to slow down amid the busyness of the season. You can watch the 1st evening and read the handout on our retreats page on the website HERE.
Metanoia means turning back to God by turning toward others. It means recognizing that the Kingdom of God is not some distant future reality—it is at hand, breaking into our world wherever love, mercy, and compassion take root. When we live with this kind of intentionality, when we wake up each morning asking, “How can I serve today? Whose life can I touch with kindness?”—we become living signs of Christ’s presence.
John the Baptist stood in the wilderness, calling people to prepare the way of the Lord. This Advent, let us answer that call. Let us have our own metanoia—a true turning of our hearts. Let us reflect deeply on our purpose, let us show the fruit of our faith through generous, other-focused love, and let us reach out to those who need to know they are not alone.
A reminder that our Giving Tree is in the Church vestibule supporting the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Drive, the Opportunity Center in Palo Alto and the Tijuana Ministry. Please take a gift tag or scan the QR code. We are also accepting Target and grocery gift cards at the Christmas Tree Lighting & Concert tonight. We thank you for your generosity and support so we can spread the joy to others.
The Kingdom of God is at hand. Let us prepare the way—not just in our hearts, but in the lives of those around us.
God Bless,
Fr. Brendan