Tuesday of the third week of Advent Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32 Obey
We often encounter such a scenario in our daily lives: in family settings, our parents frequently demand that we accomplish tasks they wish us to do. For instance, when we finish dinner, our parents expect us to assist them in clearing the dishes; another example is when we go shopping, they prefer us to purchase items they need; similarly, when we travel, the elders in our family hope we can bring back local produce for them. Dear brothers and sisters in the faith! When faced with the desires of our parents in life, how do we respond? Perhaps we readily fulfil their needs, so that they may find joy in our mutual love, just as the Apostle Saint Paul did (cf. Phil 2:2). Perhaps we are like the son who first went to his father in the parable Jesus told (cf. Mt 21:28-29), who, though reluctant, after much consideration, was willing to fulfil his parents’ wishes through his practical actions, so that they might find joy in our humility and obedience. Today, we gather in the love of Christ, and during Mass, we listen to the Word of God, resolving to believe that in life, we must live out the joy of the Gospel, becoming like John, faithfully fulfilling the mission entrusted to us by God.
Monday of the Third Week of Advent Gospel: Matthew 21:23-27 The Authority of Jesus
In our daily lives, we often act according to our own will, choosing what we deem to be the right path, and resorting to all means to question those who teach us skills for surviving in this ever-changing world in accordance with the wisdom of life. At times, we are just like the chief priests and elders of the people who came to confront Jesus today (cf. Mt 21:23-25)—we intend to exert pressure on those whom we perceive as threats through methods we consider appropriate, seeking to force them to abandon their positions and submit to us.
We must never behave like those chief priests and elders, who spoke with the tongues of this perishable flesh. Lest by such words, we fall into carnal presumption; even though we have received the baptism of Christ and belong to Him, our souls and bodies would still remain trapped in the sin that leads to death. When we speak, we should utter the words that God has placed in our mouths, so that our thoughts, words, and deeds may be consistent with all that we have received. In this way, those who interact with us will, through the teachings we proclaim faithfully—teachings rooted in the Church founded by Christ Himself upon Saint Peter (cf. Mt 16:17-19)—join us in making straight the way of the Lord, so as to prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Third Sunday of Advent / Gaudete Sunday Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 Are you the one we are seeking?
Today marks the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday (“Rejoice” in Latin). In our daily lives, when we eagerly await a significant event, we often seek advice from those we trust, finding comfort in their words. At times, we lean toward believing human assurances rather than the unseen God.
In our spiritual journey, we similarly yearn for eternal happiness. We entrust ourselves to the teachings proclaimed by God’s servants, receive Baptism to unite with Christ in His death and resurrection, and desire to draw from the infinite grace of divine love. Yet, like John the Baptist and his disciples, we may focus on seeking temporal blessings rather than the transformative gift of the Spirit.
On this Joyful Sunday, let us shift our gaze. Instead of relying on human expectations, let us discern the signs of God’s presence in our lives through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May we embrace Him fully, allowing our thoughts, words, and deeds to conform to His likeness, becoming new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
全属于祢 
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