THURSDAY OF THE FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 4, 2025

KIND REMINDER: THE FIRST FRIDAYS AND FIRST SATURDAYS DEVOTIONS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/first-fridays-and-first-saturdays-devotions/

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 4, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE (SAINT JOHN OF DAMASCUS), PRIEST, RELIGIOUS AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH AND SAINT BARBARA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR | DECEMBER 4TH| Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Damascene & Saint Barbara | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-4th/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 4, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-4-2025/

POPE LEO XIV ON HIS FIRST FOREIGN TRIP AS PONTIFF TO TURKEY AND LEBANON | TRIP BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-on-his-first-foreign-trip-as-pontiff/

NOVENA TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION | DAY 6: Novena to the Blessed Virgin Mary, The Immaculate Conception Starts, November 29 – December 7th. Traditionally prayed in preparation for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/novena-to-the-blessed-virgin-mary-the-immaculate-conception/

ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/

THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/

SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/

Greetings and blessings, beloved family!

Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint John Damascene, Priest, Religious, and Doctor of the Church, and Saint Barbara, Virgin and Martyr. As we continue our journey through the First Week of Advent, today’s Scriptures remind us of the secure refuge we find in God, our everlasting Rock who establishes peace for His faithful ones and calls us to build our lives on the solid foundation of His Word. Isaiah speaks of the strong city God has prepared for the righteous; the Psalm proclaims His enduring mercy; and Jesus in the Gospel urges us to not only hear His teachings but to do them, so that our lives may stand firm amid every storm. On this blessed Thursday of the First Week of Advent, we ask the Lord to deepen our trust, strengthen our obedience, and fill our hearts with the steadfast faith of Saint John Damascene and the courageous witness of Saint Barbara.

We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4

We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽

PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯

Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past month. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽

Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽

Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾

We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.

Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽

ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/

Advent is the sacred four-week season that opens the Church’s Liturgical Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.

As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.

As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, as we begin this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾

ADVENT PRAYER – FIRST WEEK: The following prayer should be repeated each day during the first week. After the prayer, the family’s youngest child lights the first purple candle. (Family members can also take turns lighting and blowing out the candles on each night.)

LEADER: O Lord, stir up Thy might, we beg Thee, and come, That by Thy protection we may deserve to be rescued from the threatening dangers of our sins and saved by Thy deliverance. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen🙏🏽

(The candle is allowed to burn during evening meals for the first week.)

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the First Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the First Week of Advent | December 4, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 26:1–6
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 118:1, 8–9, 19–21, 25–27a
Gospel: Matthew 7:21, 24–27

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 7:21, 24–27

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”

“Jesus said to His disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. And everyone who listens to these words of mine but does not act on them will be like a fool who built his house on sand.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. And it collapsed and was completely ruined.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes a distinction between two kinds of listening, the listening that leads to action, to doing, and the listening that has no impact on behavior. He calls on us not only to listen to His words, but to act on them. Jesus wants His word not just to impact on our ears but to impact on our lives. Jesus declares that those who listen to His words and live by them are like builders who build a house on rock. We live in a world in which so much is disposable, so little lasts, in which the rate of change is constant and progressive. We often feel the need to find some solid ground that endures, that can be trusted and relied upon. Jesus declares Himself to be that solid ground and He calls to us to build our lives on Him by allowing His words to shape us. Jesus invites us to look deeply into the foundation of our spiritual lives. Advent is not only a season of expectation but also a season of construction, a time to strengthen the interior ground on which we stand. Christ reminds us that faith is not merely expressed in words or outward devotion; it is revealed and proven in obedience, trust, and daily fidelity. The wise builder hears the Word and acts on it. His life may still face storms, rains, winds, and floods, but his foundation remains firm because it rests upon Christ, the eternal Rock. The foolish builder hears the same Word but refuses to live by it, choosing convenience over conversion, comfort over commitment. His spiritual life, lacking depth and obedience, collapses under pressure. Jesus’ teaching calls us to honest reflection: Are we building on rock or on sand? Advent invites us to rebuild, restructure, and reaffirm our foundation in Him who alone gives us security, stability, and peace.

Advent is a season when we are called in a special way to live the word of Jesus that we listen to. In this regard, Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a very good model for us. On one occasion when some women in the crowd around Jesus declared Mary blessed because of the Son that she bore, Jesus replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it’. Mary is blessed not primarily for the son she gave birth to but because she heard God’s word and lived it every day. That is our calling too and, in this season of Advent, we can look to Mary as our inspiration as we try to respond to this calling. Today’s Gospel encourages us to embrace the transformative power of obedience to allow God’s Word to shape our choices, heal our wounds, and guide our steps. The storms will come. The winds will blow. Struggles, temptations, trials, uncertainties, and sorrow are part of the human journey. But those who anchor themselves in Christ will stand firm, held by His strength and protected by His enduring love. Advent is a reminder that God does not eliminate the storms; rather, He strengthens us so that the storms will not destroy us. Christ invites us to be wise builders, souls who listen deeply, trust boldly, and act faithfully.

In the First Reading, Isaiah sings a hymn of confidence and hope: “A strong city have we; He sets up walls and ramparts to protect us.” This city symbolizes the secure refuge God offers to those who trust in Him. God Himself becomes our walls, our ramparts, our protection, and our peace. Isaiah calls us to enter through the gates of justice and to embrace a faith that is steadfast, upright, and unwavering. The Lord, described as the “eternal Rock,” humbles the proud and lifts up the poor, leveling the heights of oppression and raising the humble to dignity. Advent echoes this message of divine reversal: God brings down the lofty and exalts the lowly; He strengthens those who trust in Him and grants peace to those of firm purpose.

The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of trust and surrender: “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man… Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” The Psalmist calls us to enter the gates of justice with thanksgiving, rejoicing in God who saves, strengthens, and enlightens His people. Like the wise builder, the psalm urges us to place our confidence not in human help, earthly power, or temporary security, but in God whose mercy endures forever. Advent invites us to rekindle this trust, to seek the Lord while He may be found, and to open our hearts to the One who grants salvation, prosperity, and light.

As we reflect and meditate on the words of Sacred Scripture today, we are invited to ask ourselves: What foundation am I truly building my life upon Christ or convenience? Do I listen to God’s Word with an obedient heart, allowing it to shape my decisions, priorities, and actions? How do I respond when storms arise, do I crumble in fear or stand firm in trust? Is there an area of my life where I have built on sand and need God to rebuild on rock? During this season of Advent, how is God calling me to deepen my faith, reform my choices, and strengthen my spiritual foundation? May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us the grace to be wise builders who listen, trust, and act, anchoring our lives firmly in His eternal love and truth. Amen. 🙏🏽

Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal Rock and firm foundation of our lives, strengthen my heart to listen to Your Word and to live it faithfully. Teach me to trust in You more deeply, to surrender my fears, and to anchor my soul in Your truth. Protect me from the storms that seek to weaken my faith, and grant me the grace to build my life on the solid rock of Your love. May this Advent season renew my spirit, purify my intentions, and draw me closer to the light of Your kingdom. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE (SAINT JOHN OF DAMASCUS), PRIEST, RELIGIOUS, AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; AND SAINT BARBARA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 4TH: Today, the Church joyfully commemorates Saint John Damascene (Patron of Pharmacists, Icon Painters, and Theology Students) and Saint Barbara (Patron of Armourers, Artillerymen, Firefighters, Miners, Architects, and Protection Against Lightning and Fire). These heroic saints, though from different eras and backgrounds, stand as radiant witnesses of unwavering faith. Saint John Damascene defended the truth of the Incarnation and the veneration of holy images with unmatched brilliance, becoming one of the greatest theologians of the early Church. Saint Barbara, through extraordinary courage and purity of heart, embraced martyrdom rather than deny Christ. As we honor them today in this holy season of Advent, we ask their powerful intercession for all who seek truth, courage, protection, and steadfast faith in the midst of trials. May their lives inspire us to hold firmly to Christ, the Light who comes to save. 🙏🏾

Saints of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 4th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John Damascene & Saint Barbara | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-4th/)

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE (SAINT JOHN OF DAMASCUS), PRIEST, RELIGIOUS, AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Saint John Damascene (c. 676–749), known as the great “Arab Doctor of the Church,” was born in Damascus under Muslim rule to a devout Christian family. Gifted with remarkable intelligence, he excelled in philosophy, poetry, music, and theology. Although he served as a high-ranking official in Damascus, his deepest passion was the defense of the true Catholic faith. During the Iconoclast crisis, when Emperor Leo III sought to abolish the use of sacred images, John courageously defended the veneration of icons. He taught that Christians do not worship images but honor God and the saints through them—just as the Incarnation allows the invisible God to be seen in Christ. His brilliant theological writings, especially The Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, influenced generations of scholars, including St. Thomas Aquinas.

Out of jealousy and hostility, false accusations led to the amputation of his right hand. Tradition tells that the Blessed Virgin Mary miraculously restored it, strengthening his devotion and earning him the title “Doctor of Christian Art.” He later became a monk at Mar Saba near Jerusalem, where he spent the rest of his life writing hymns, teaching theology, and defending the faith with gentleness and clarity. Saint John Damascene was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1890 and remains a guiding light for all who seek truth, beauty, and fidelity to Catholic tradition.

PRAYER: O God, who raised Saint John Damascene as a brilliant defender of sacred truth, grant that through his teachings and intercession, we may love Your Church, cherish holy traditions, and remain steadfast in the true faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT BARBARA, VIRGIN AND MARTYR: Saint Barbara (273–306), one of the most beloved early Christian martyrs, was born in Heliopolis (modern-day Lebanon) to a wealthy but extremely controlling pagan father named Dioscorus. Because of her great beauty, he shut her away in a tower to keep her isolated from the world. Yet in that place of confinement, Barbara’s heart opened to the truth. She came to reject the false gods she had been taught and desired to know the true Creator. A Christian secretly instructed her, and she received baptism in secret. In honor of the Holy Trinity, she ordered a third window to be added in her tower—an act that revealed her conversion. Enraged, her father beat her and handed her over to the authorities. Despite brutal torture, Barbara remained unwavering. Each night, her wounds were miraculously healed, strengthening her for even greater trials.

When she refused to renounce Christ, she was condemned to death. In a moment of chilling cruelty, her own father volunteered to be her executioner. Immediately after he beheaded her, Dioscorus was struck down by lightning—a divine testimony to Barbara’s holiness. For this reason, she is invoked against lightning, fire, explosions, and sudden death. Saint Barbara became one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and is the heavenly protector of artillerymen, miners, architects, firefighters, military engineers, and all who face danger in their work.

PRAYER: O Lord, who strengthened Saint Barbara with heroic courage and purity of heart, grant that through her intercession we may remain faithful in trials and courageous in professing our faith. Protect all who face danger, disaster, or violence, and keep us safe in Your mercy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Damascene, and Saint Barbara — Pray for us. 🙏🏾

SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾

GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/

Watch “HOLY MASS PRESIDED BY POPE LEO XIV IN TURKEY | LIVE FROM ISTANBUL VOLKSWAGEN ARENA | VIGIL OF THE 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT | November 29, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-november-30-2025/

LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/

COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/

THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/

KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/

Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/

THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.

(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)

DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.

This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.

In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540

PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we continue our Advent journey, we bring our prayers before the Lord with humble and trusting hearts. We pray for the grace to build our lives on Christ, the solid rock, so that no storm, trial, or fear may shake our faith. Through the intercession of Saint John Damascene, may we grow in love for the true teachings of the Church and remain steadfast in defending our faith with wisdom and charity. Through Saint Barbara’s witness, may all who face danger, persecution, or hardship be strengthened with courage and divine protection. We pray for peace in troubled nations, healing for the sick and wounded, safety for those in hazardous professions, and consolation for all who feel overwhelmed in this season. May God open the gates of His mercy to families experiencing difficulty, to those preparing for important decisions, and to all longing for hope, renewal, and divine intervention. May His light guide us on the straight path as we await the coming of our Savior.

LET US PRAY:

My Lord and Firm Foundation, I pray that my life will be built upon You and Your will alone. Give me ears to hear You and a firm will to follow You so that my love for You and others is so strong that I can endure all things in You, and by You, be brought to the glories of Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord our God, in this holy season of Advent, deepen our faith and anchor our hearts firmly in Your Word. Help us to listen to Your voice, follow Your ways, and live as true disciples who build on the foundation of Christ. Through the prayers of Saint John Damascene, enrich our minds with the light of truth; through the intercession of Saint Barbara, shield us from harm and strengthen us in every trial. Grant us the grace we need today and the peace that only You can give. Keep us steadfast, hopeful, and attentive as we await the glorious coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John Damascene & Saint Barbara ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽

Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this Thursday of the First Week of Advent, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we begin the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled December, a fruitful season of Advent, and a peaceful start to the new month. 🙏🏽

Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖

Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org

Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |

North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html

DR. PHILOMENA IKOWE AND HER JOYFUL CATHOLIC WITNESS | LIGHTS, CATHOLIC, ACTION! | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/