Advent invites us to look beyond the surface chaos of our world and recognise the quiet work of God breaking in. Today’s readings remind us that Jesus comes not only to restore creation to harmony, but to restore our relationship with the Father. True peace begins when we allow Jesus to reveal the Father’s heart to us and when we receive our identity as His beloved children.

But this gift is seen only by the humble, those who stay grateful, attentive, and open-hearted. If we live with humility, we begin to notice God’s tender interventions in the small, ordinary moments: a new morning, a simple act of kindness, a quiet prompting of grace. This is how the Kingdom is already unfolding in our midst.

As we journey through Advent, may we cultivate hearts that see, receive, and rejoice in the Father’s love: the deepest joy of all.

Reflection Question: How can I recognise God’s presence with greater humility, gratitude, and openness this Advent?

Today's Scriptures remind us that the true danger of success is not success itself, but the illusion that it is ours alone. King Belshazzar inherited greatness, but pride blinded him. Instead of remembering the God who had delivered and taught his father, he grew complacent, arrogant, and dismissive of the Holy God of Israel.

Like Belshazzar, we too risk drifting into pride when life goes well; when our work flourishes, when people praise us, when we feel strong and capable. Pride convinces us that we owe nothing to God, and humility becomes an inconvenience. But God, in love, confronts us. Sometimes through failures, sometimes through crises, and sometimes simply through a quiet inner stirring that unsettles our self-sufficiency.

Jesus promises that if we remain faithful and responsible, He will defend us. Not necessarily by preserving our earthly life, but by safeguarding us for eternal life. True security is not in our achievements, but in belonging to Him.

Reflection Question: How is God inviting me to return to humility and dependence on Him today?

As the liturgical year ends, the Church reminds us to reflect on our own ending, a moment we often avoid because we assume we have plenty of time. Yet Jesus tells us that everything in this world, even the greatest things we build, will one day pass away. What endures is not our achievements but our faithfulness and trust in God.

Instead of clinging to what fades, the Lord calls us to live each day with gratitude, purpose, and trust. To enjoy the simple gifts of life. To fulfil our vocation with humility. To face life’s joys and sorrows without fear. And when the world feels chaotic, wars, crises, uncertainties, Jesus assures us that God remains in control. The kingdom is already among us. Our task is not to predict the end, but to live faithfully in the present, trusting that His grace will triumph over all.

Reflection Question: What changes might you make today if you truly lived with the awareness that everything in this world is passing, and that God is ultimately in control?

Sometimes when we meet someone whose beliefs or choices differ from ours, we can feel stuck or helpless—especially when we can’t persuade them toward what we believe is the right path.

In these moments, we are invited to lean on God, to keep praying, and to place our hope in His grace rather than our own efforts.

Reflection Question: How is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply, especial in times of hopelessness?

Today's readings teach us that loyalty and trust are not demanded, they are earned.

The story of the seven brothers and their mother in Maccabees reminds us that deep faith gives courage to stand firm, even under persecution. Similarly, the parable of the talents shows that God entrusts each of us with gifts, expecting us to respond not out of fear, but out of love and responsibility.

Whether in faith, ministry, leadership, or family life, true commitment grows from relationship, understanding, and trust. The foundation of all trust, especially in our faith, is a living, personal relationship with the Lord. When we truly know His heart, love becomes our motivation, creativity flows naturally, and faithfulness becomes a joy.

Reflection Question: Where do I need to build deeper trust, with God or with others, so that true loyalty and wholehearted commitment can grow?

Today’s readings present two compelling witnesses: Eleazar, whose steadfast fidelity refused even the semblance of compromise, and Zacchaeus, whose encounter with Christ brought sincere conversion.

Eleazar understood that authentic faith cannot coexist with outward pretence. Even a simulated act of infidelity would mislead others, weaken the community, and dishonour the God whom he served. His courage reminds us that our witness matters — what we choose to do (or not do) shapes the faith of those who look to us.

Zacchaeus, on the other hand, shows the transforming mercy of Christ. Though he had strayed, his openness to Jesus restored his integrity. His restitution and generosity were the visible signs of a heart reclaimed by grace.

Both figures remind us that fidelity to God requires interior truth and exterior coherence. Whether through steadfast perseverance or humble repentance, we are called to live our faith without duplicity, mindful that our example can either edify or mislead others.

Reflection Question: How is God inviting me today to stand firm in my faith instead of blending in?

finally reach heaven. But Jesus reminds us that “the Kingdom of God is among you.” It is not a place to be found with signs or predictions, but a reality that begins the moment we let Christ reign in our hearts.

In today’s world, comfort and convenience can dull our longing for God’s Kingdom. We become content with what we have: our jobs, our health, our holidays; and forget to look beyond. Yet the true measure of life is not how long or how well we live, but whether love, mercy, and goodness reign within us.

Every act of compassion, every forgiveness given, every surrender to God’s will, these are signs that the Kingdom has already come. It is not about waiting for the end, but allowing Christ to rule our minds and hearts here and now.

Reflection Question: If God’s Kingdom starts within me, how can I change my heart to be more like His?

Today’s Scripture reminds us that authority is never self-made. It is a gift from God, a trust to be exercised for the good of others. Jesus used His authority not to dominate, but to heal, to reconcile, and to bring unity. His power was rooted in compassion and humility. He respected the boundaries of others’ authority, even as He exercised His own with divine wisdom.

Many lose respect for authority because they have seen it abused, when leadership becomes self-serving rather than self-giving. The challenge for us is to lead in such a way that others are grateful for our leadership, not resentful of it. True authority should never feed pride, but inspire service.

Ultimately, whether we lead or follow, our response must be one of gratitude. Like the Samaritan leper who returned to thank Jesus, only a grateful heart is truly healed and saved. Gratitude keeps our hearts humble and reminds us that all power, all responsibility, and all success belong to God.

Reflection Question: How am I using the authority or influence entrusted to me to serve others with humility and gratitude, as Jesus did?