THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 14, 2025 |

SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 14, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT NICASIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS AND BLESSED MELANIE CALVAT SEERESS OF LA SALETTE, VIRGIN | DECEMBER 14TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John of the Cross, Saint Nicasius and Companions, and Blessed Melanie Calvat | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-14th/

Watch “Holy Mass Presided by Pope Leo XIV | Jubilee of Prisoners | LIVE from the Vatican | December 14, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-14-2025/

Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 14, 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-14-2025/

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 and Happy Gaudete ‘Rejoice’ Sunday!

Today, the Third Sunday of Advent, known as Gaudete Sunday, the Church calls us to rejoice as we draw nearer to the coming of the Lord. In the midst of waiting, the Scriptures lift our hearts with hope: the desert blooms, the weak are strengthened, and God Himself comes to save His people. We also honor Saint Johjjjn of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church; Saint Nicasius of Rheims and his Companions, Martyrs; and Blessed Melanie Calvat, Seeress of La Salette, witnesses who trusted God through suffering, darkness, and trial, yet never lost sight of His promised joy. As we reflect today, may we learn to rejoice not because all is easy, but because the Lord is near, faithful to His word, and at work even in our waiting. 🙏🏽

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 months. 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 ŕ 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 – THIRD WEEK PRAYER: The joyful Sunday in Advent (known as “Gaudete”) is represented by rose (or pink) instead of the penitential purple color. Each night during the third week the mother of the family lights the pink, as well as the two previously burned purple candles, after the following prayer has been said.

LEADER: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen 🙏🏾

(The three candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the third week.)

SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:

Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Third Sunday of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading

Today’s Bible Readings: Third Sunday of Advent | December 14, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 35:1–6a, 10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 146:6–7, 8–9, 9–10
Reading 2: James 5:7–10
Gospel: Matthew 11:2–11

Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 11:2–11

“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.”

“When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “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. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out?  To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

When John the Baptist, imprisoned and isolated, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”, we encounter a deeply human moment in the life of a great prophet. John, who once boldly proclaimed the coming Messiah, now seeks reassurance amid suffering and uncertainty. Jesus does not rebuke him. Instead, He responds with deeds rather than arguments, pointing to signs of healing, restoration, and mercy that reveal the fulfillment of God’s promises.

This Gospel reassures us that faith does not exclude moments of doubt or struggle. Advent invites us to bring our questions honestly before the Lord. Like John, we may find ourselves waiting, wounded, or discouraged. Yet Jesus gently reminds us that God is at work, often in ways that surpass our expectations. Blessed are those who do not take offense at the quiet, humble, and sometimes unexpected ways Christ reveals Himself. Jesus then turns to the crowd and speaks of John with profound respect. He is not weak or wavering but a prophet, indeed more than a prophet. John stands as the final messenger preparing the way for the Messiah. Yet Jesus reveals a beautiful paradox: “The least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” This is not a dismissal of John’s greatness but an invitation to recognize the extraordinary grace given to those who live in the fullness of Christ’s saving work. Advent reminds us that we are living in a privileged time, called not only to await salvation but to live it.

In the First Reading, Isaiah paints a breathtaking picture of hope and restoration. The desert blooms, the weak are strengthened, fear is replaced with courage, and God Himself comes to save His people. These words speak directly to weary hearts. Advent is a season when God assures us that barrenness will give way to joy, sorrow to singing, and exile to homecoming. The miracles Jesus names in the Gospel echo Isaiah’s prophecy, revealing that the promised salvation is already unfolding.

The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of divine faithfulness. God keeps faith forever, lifts up the bowed down, gives sight to the blind, and protects the vulnerable. This psalm proclaims a God who is actively involved in human suffering, a God who reigns not with distant power but with compassionate justice. As we pray these words, we are invited to trust that God’s reign is already present wherever mercy, healing, and faith are alive.

In the Second Reading, Saint James calls us to patience and perseverance. Like a farmer waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, we are urged to remain steadfast as we await the coming of the Lord. Advent teaches us that waiting is not wasted time. It is sacred space where hearts are formed, faith is purified, and hope takes root. James also reminds us to resist complaint and discouragement, choosing instead endurance inspired by the prophets who trusted God even in hardship.

As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures on this 3rd Sunday of Advent, ),.8today, we are invited to examine our hearts: Am I able to trust God when answers seem delayed or unclear? Like John, do I bring my doubts to the Lord rather than turning away from Him? Do I recognize the signs of God’s saving presence in my life, especially in moments of healing, mercy, and quiet transformation? Am I patient in my waiting, allowing God’s timing to shape my faith? Do I offer encouragement rather than complaint as I journey with others? Am I living as one who believes that God truly comes to save?

This Third Sunday of Advent, often called Gaudete Sunday, invites us to rejoice, not because all is perfect, but because the Lord is near. Joy flows from trust in God’s promises and confidence that He is faithful. As we continue our Advent journey, let us strengthen weak hands, steady trembling hearts, and proclaim through our lives that Christ is among us. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and may our waiting be filled with hope, our faith rooted in patience, and our joy grounded in the saving presence of the Lord who comes to make all things new. 🙏🏽

Lord God, our Savior, You come to strengthen the weary, restore the broken, and fill Your people with joy. As we await the coming of Your Son, deepen our trust in Your promises and help us recognize Your presence at work among us, just as John the Baptist was invited to see and believe. Give us patient hearts as we wait, courageous faith to persevere through trials, and joyful hope that does not fade. Open our eyes to Your saving deeds, steady our steps on the path of righteousness, and make us living witnesses of Your mercy and compassion. As we rejoice in this season of Advent, prepare our hearts to welcome Christ with faith, humility, and love. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

MEMORIAL OF SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH; SAINT NICASIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS; AND BLESSED MELANIE CALVAT, SEERESS OF LA SALETTE, VIRGIN – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 14TH: Today, the Church commemorates Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church (Patron of Contemplative Life and Mystical Theology); Saint Nicasius, Archbishop of Rheims, and his Companions, Martyrs (Witnesses of pastoral courage and sacrificial love); and Blessed Melanie Calvat, Seeress of La Salette, Virgin (Witness to Marian repentance and conversion). Though their paths differed greatly, one a mystic, one a martyr-bishop, and one a humble visionary, each responded to God with total surrender, fidelity, and courage amid suffering. As we continue our Advent journey, their lives remind us that light is born through darkness, hope through perseverance, and holiness through faithful obedience to God’s will. May their intercession help us prepare our hearts to welcome Christ with humility, trust, and steadfast faith. 🙏🏾

Saint of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 14th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com

(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint John of the Cross, Saint Nicasius, and Blessed Melanie Calvat | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-day-feast-day-december-14th/)

SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS, PRIEST AND DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH: Saint John of the Cross (1542–1591), born Juan de Yepes in Fontiveros, Spain, is one of the greatest mystics and spiritual teachers in the history of the Church. Raised in deep poverty after the early death of his father, John learned from childhood the value of humility, sacrifice, and reliance on God. From a young age, he showed a profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and a desire for the religious life.

He entered the Carmelite Order and was ordained a priest, later collaborating closely with Saint Teresa of Avila in reforming the Carmelites according to their original rule. Together, they founded the Discalced Carmelites, emphasizing prayer, poverty, and contemplation. His reforms, however, met fierce opposition. John was imprisoned by fellow friars, suffering physical abuse, isolation, and humiliation. Yet, from this darkness emerged some of the Church’s most luminous spiritual works, including Dark Night of the Soul and Ascent of Mount Carmel, writings that reveal how suffering purifies the soul and leads it into deeper union with God. Despite his trials, Saint John remained gentle, obedient, and deeply united to Christ. He died in 1591 after choosing a poor and difficult monastery over comfort, embracing suffering as a final offering to God. Canonized in 1726 and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1926, he is honored as the Patron Saint of contemplatives, mystics, and those seeking deeper union with God.

PRAYER: O God, who taught Saint John of the Cross to walk faithfully through the darkness toward the light of Your presence, grant that we may embrace the crosses of our lives with trust and perseverance. Through his intercession, lead us into deeper love, purification of heart, and joyful union with You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

SAINT NICASIUS, ARCHBISHOP OF RHEIMS, AND HIS COMPANIONS, MARTYRS: Saint Nicasius of Rheims (d. c. 407) served as bishop during a time of great turmoil and invasion. Foreseeing the impending attack of the Vandals, he urged his people to prepare spiritually rather than violently, choosing prayer, repentance, and trust in God’s mercy. When the invaders arrived, Nicasius courageously offered his own life so that others might escape.

According to tradition, he was martyred while praying the Psalms, and even after being beheaded, continued proclaiming Scripture—a powerful testimony to unwavering faith in the face of death. He was martyred alongside his sister, Saint Eutropia, and his companions Jucundus, Florentius, and others. His sacrifice stands as a witness to pastoral courage, self-giving love, and steadfast fidelity to Christ.

PRAYER: Lord God, who strengthened Saint Nicasius and his companions to remain faithful unto death, grant us the courage to stand firm in faith amid trials and persecution. Through their intercession, may we always choose trust in You over fear. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

BLESSED MELANIE CALVAT, SEERESS OF LA SALETTE, VIRGIN: Blessed Melanie Calvat (1831–1904), a humble shepherdess from France, was chosen by God to witness the Marian apparition of Our Lady of La Salette in 1846. Alongside Maximin Giraud, she received a message of repentance, conversion, prayer, and fidelity to God at a time of spiritual decline. After careful investigation, the Church affirmed the authenticity of the apparition.

Melanie later entered religious life, taking the name Sister Mary of the Cross. Her life was marked by humility, suffering, obedience, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Though often misunderstood, she remained faithful to her mission until her death in Italy in 1904. Her life reminds us that God often chooses the lowly to speak profound truths and that repentance opens the way for renewal and grace.

PRAYER: O God, who revealed Your maternal call to repentance through Blessed Melanie Calvat, grant that we may heed the message of conversion and return to You with sincere hearts. Through her intercession, help us to walk humbly and faithfully in Your truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾

Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Nicasius and Companions, and Blessed Melanie Calvat ~ 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/

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/

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 rejoice in this Third Sunday of Advent, we lift our hearts to the Lord, who comes to save and restore His people. We pray for the Church throughout the world, that, strengthened by the patience urged by Saint James and the prophetic courage of Saint John the Baptist, she may continue to proclaim Christ with clarity, humility, and hope. Through the intercession of Saint John of the Cross, we pray for all who walk through spiritual darkness, trials, or suffering, that they may trust that God is at work even in the silence and be led toward the great light He promises. We pray for persecuted Christians and all who suffer for their faith, following the example of Saint Nicasius and his companions, that they may be sustained by God’s justice and peace. We also pray for conversion of hearts, especially in our families and communities, inspired by the message of repentance and reconciliation entrusted to Blessed Melanie Calvat at La Salette. We entrust to the Lord the sick, the weary, the oppressed, the poor, and all who long for healing, that the blind may see, the weak be strengthened, and the brokenhearted rejoice in God’s saving presence. We pray for patience in times of waiting, unity amid division, and joy that flows from trusting in the Lord who is near.

LET US PRAY:

My sacrificial Lord, You invite me to take no offense at Your suffering and death; to see beyond the pain, blood, and physical death; and to discover the unfathomable riches of Your Sacrifice. Please give me the eyes of faith to see the value of not only accepting Your Cross, but also to see the value of living Your Passion in my own life by laying down my life with You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽

Lord God of hope and salvation, You come to strengthen the weak, to open blind eyes, and to restore joy to those who wait upon You. As we journey through this season of Advent, grant us patient hearts, steadfast faith, and courage to trust in Your promises. Through the intercession of Saint John of the Cross, teach us to embrace the cross with love and to find You even in the dark night. Through Saint Nicasius and his companions, strengthen us to remain faithful amid trials, and through Blessed Melanie Calvat, call us to repentance, prayer, and reconciliation. May we recognize Your saving work in our midst and rejoice in the nearness of Your coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽

Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint John of the Cross, Saint Nicasius and Companions, and Blessed Melanie Calvat ~ 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 Third Sunday 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 Sunday, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽

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! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/