Studies for Third Sunday in Advent – A – December 15, 2013

What do you see?

What’s the old saying, “Actions speak louder than words?” When Jesus was asked about his identity, he answered with a question in return. What do you see me doing? Sometimes faith is a simple as opening our eyes to the power and activity of God in our lives.

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION - December 9, 2010

BLOG LINK  Do you expect a Savior?

MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, we dare to ask the question, “Has God ever disappointed us?” Of course, we’re looking at our expectations, not God’s.

FIRST READING Isaiah 35 predicted a time of peace, when eve creation will praise God and every broken spirit will be made whole.

PSALM Psalm 146 proclaimed the faithful will possess happiness, for they will see greater activity of the divine in life.

SECOND READING James 5 used an agricultural analogy to urge patience. Just wait. Christ is coming.

GOSPEL In Matthew 11, messengers from the Baptist asked Jesus, “Are you the One or should we wait for another?” Jesus answered with the messengers’ own witness. What they saw and heard proved Jesus was the Messiah.

CHILDREN’S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Jade had to look hard to see the beauty of the desert flowers. The blooms of the desert were a sign of God’s presence in book of Isaiah. In the story for the gospel, John the Baptist mused if his second cousin, Jesus, was the Messiah. When his messengers returned with the answer, he again saw the truth about Jesus.

CATECHISM LINK In this week's Catechism Link, we explore the subject of free will and responsibility.

FAMILY ACTIVITY When Jesus was asked about his identity, he answered “See what I do.” Put your faith into action with a family based holiday outreach. Match words with deeds, just like Jesus did.