Week 2 - December 7-13
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and pointed to His coming. Similarly, we are called to point others to Jesus through our lives. Our good deeds, acts of love, and repentance all point to Jesus as the Light of the World. We can help to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth.
ADVENT OPENING PRAYER FOR HOPE:
Lord God,
As we light the second candle of Advent, we ask You to deepen our faith and strengthen our trust in Your promises. In this season of watching and waiting, open our hearts to recognize Your presence already among us.
Fill us with the light of peace, that we may walk in Your ways and bring reconciliation, gentleness, and understanding to our families, communities, and all we meet. Quiet our anxieties, calm our spirits, and help us to rest in the assurance of Your unfailing love.
Guide our discussion today. May Your Spirit inspire our words, draw us closer to You, and encourage us to live out our faith with courage and compassion.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
WATCH FATHER'S HOMILY
CLICK TO READ THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE READINGS
THEME: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus. Like John we are called as individuals to point others to Jesus and prepare the way for him.
- First Reading (Isaiah 11:1-10): Prophecy of the one who is to come; peace among creation, even among what seems opposed: “The lion will lay down with the lamb.”
- Second Reading (Romans 15:4-9): Reminds us of the hope we have in the Scriptures.
- Gospel Reading (Matthew 3:1-12): John the Baptist reminds us to “Prepare the way of the Lord.”
REFLECTION:
John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus and pointed to His coming. Similarly, we are called to point others to Jesus through our lives. Our good deeds, acts of love, and repentance all point to Jesus as the Light of the World. We can help to bring about the Kingdom of God on earth.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION AND DIALOGUE
Take some time to reflect on this week’s message and discuss with your group:
- What evidence of darkness do you see in the world?
- What is the difference between walking in darkness versus walking in the light?
- Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” How is He the light of the world?
- As followers of Christ, it is not that we ought to be light; it is that we are the light. Explain the difference.
- Matthew 5:16a says: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works…” How can your good works be a light to others?
- In what ways do our good works cause others to glorify God? How can we ensure our works do not backfire and glorify us instead?
SCRIPTURE PASSAGES
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works.” — Matthew 5:16
PRAY
- Ask God for guidance, courage, and light to overcome darkness in your life and the lives of those you love.
- Pray for those who feel they are in darkness: for those struggling with mental illness, those without shelter, and those who feel hopeless. Ask God to help you bring the light of Christ to them.
- Light your second candle on your Advent wreath and say a prayer for the gift of Peace.
ACT
- Join us for Mass celebrating the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on Monday, Dec 8th
- Join us for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, Dec 12th at 7pm at St. Mary.
- Take a group picture at your meeting and share it with the Spiritual Journey Core Team
- Send it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - OR - post to your own social media account with the hashtag #spiritualjourneywc
INSPIRE
- Live intentionally as a beacon of Christ’s light in your everyday life.
- Take Christ with you where you go this week.
- Look for moments in your day where you can listen more, love more, or choose peace.
INTERSESSIONS FOR THE GROUP
Take some time to pray together for the persons or people on the Hearts of your small group members.
CLOSING PRAYER - ADVENT PRAYER FOR HOPE
Lord God,
As we prepare to leave this time together, we thank You for the light, peace, and guidance You have poured into our hearts. As the second candle of Advent reminds us of Your abiding presence, deepen our faith and strengthen our trust in Your promises each day.
Send us forth with renewed hope. Help us carry Your peace into our families, our workplaces, and every encounter ahead. Quiet our worries, calm our spirits, and draw us continually into the light of Your unfailing love.
May the seeds planted in our discussion today bear good fruit. By the power of Your Spirit, inspire our actions, shape our conversations, and help us live out our faith with courage, compassion, and joy. May we share the light of Christ with all we encounter in the coming week.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.