On the 25th anniversary of Ecclesia in Asia, Father Dinh Anh Nhue Nguyen reminds us of its continued relevance in addressing the challenges of the Asian Church. Rooted in humility and cultural respect, this Apostolic Exhortation calls the Church to embrace a missionary identity that listens, dialogues, and promotes hope amidst diversity.
Giving way is the noblest way, as John the Baptist teaches us in today’s Gospel (Luke 3:10–18). His humility, selflessness, and practical advice to the people remind us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ by sharing generously, living justly, and serving with love. This Advent, let us embrace the nobility of sacrifice, echoing John’s example of pointing others to Christ and creating space for the Kingdom of God in our lives.
This 3rd Sunday of Advent, the Gospel (Luke 3:1-6) invites us to reflect on the life and mission of St. John the Baptist. His ability to attract and inspire people stemmed from his coherence of life—living what he preached. His guidance to the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers emphasized practical virtues like charity, honesty, and justice. John’s example teaches us that true authority comes not from titles but from moral integrity. As Advent calls us to prepare for Christ’s coming, let us seek silence, conversion, and intimacy with God, so we too may radiate His light to the world.
In the face of grief and the turmoil of war, Lea Akoury turned tragedy into a mission of unity and hope. Following the loss of her husband in an anti-terrorist operation, Lea founded a choir that brings together Lebanese orphans of fallen soldiers, transcending religious boundaries. Through music, these children heal, honor their fathers, and share a powerful message of peace and resilience with the world. As they prepare to perform in Italy, Lea reminds us that even in dark times, singing can be a prayer—a call for harmony and hope.
In the heart of a conflict-ridden neighborhood in Lebanon, the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd courageously manage the Saint Antoine Health Center, a lifeline for those suffering amid the chaos. Despite a collapsing healthcare system, shortages of medicine, and the constant threat of violence, Sister Hanane Youssef and her companions embody resilience and compassion. Their mission transcends divisions, offering medical care, refuge, and hope to Shiites, displaced families, and anyone in need, rooted in the belief that “a better day will come.”
The Gospel today introduces John the Baptist as a voice crying out in the desert, inviting us to a transformative spiritual journey. Like Israel at Sinai and Jesus after His baptism, the desert represents a place of discernment, where we confront our inner struggles and find our core. John’s call to “level the hills and fill the valleys” symbolizes removing obstacles and filling spiritual voids within us, so the Lord may enter our lives fully.
The Second Sunday of Advent reminds us of the vital call to conversion as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and anticipate His final coming. Conversion aligns us with God’s will, filling the deep longing of our souls for eternity. As St. John the Baptist urges, turning away from sin and embracing God’s love through prayer, sacraments, and acts of charity is essential for true joy and fulfillment. Advent is not only a time of preparation but also of hope, reconnecting us to our divine purpose.
Saint John of Damascus, often considered the last of the Church Fathers, was a staunch defender of sacred images during the iconoclastic controversies of his time. His teachings on the veneration of icons, the nature of the Trinity, and the role of matter in the sacraments profoundly shaped Christian theology. His legacy, rooted in his monastic life and literary contributions, continues to inspire devotion and faith.
On November 27, 1830, Our Lady appeared to Sister Catherine Labouré of the Daughters of Charity in Paris, revealing the design for what would become the “Miraculous Medal.” This medal, symbolizing grace and devotion to Mary, sparked a worldwide movement of faith and miracles, especially during the cholera epidemic of 1832. As we approach the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, let us remember this powerful story of hope and trust in Mary’s intercession.
Fr. Lawrence Lew, O.P., the General Promoter of the Rosary for the Dominican Order, will visit Macau from December 19–22. Known for his passion for the Rosary as a tool of personal devotion and community prayer, Fr. Lew will conduct sessions across English-speaking communities in Macau. With a background in theology, sacred art, and a deep love for Marian devotion, he has inspired a global resurgence in praying the Rosary, emphasizing its relevance in modern times.