🌅 FIRST READING
Isaiah 4:2–6
On that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.
Those who are left in Zion and remain in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem.
The Lord will wash away the filth of Zion and cleanse the bloodstains from Jerusalem by a spirit of judgment and a spirit of burning.
Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night.
Over everything the glory will be a canopy—it will be a shelter and shade from the heat of day and a refuge and hiding place from storm and rain.
🎶 RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 122:1–2, 3–4b, 4c–5, 6–7, 8–9
Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord.
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord.
In it are set up judgment seats, seats for the house of David.
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you prosper.”
May peace be within your walls, prosperity in your buildings.
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends I will say, “Peace be within you!”
Because of the house of the Lord, our God, I will pray for your good.
R: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
✝️ GOSPEL
Matthew 8:5–11
When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached Him and appealed to Him,
“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.”He said to him, “I will come and cure him.”
The centurion said in reply, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
For I too am a man subject to authority, with soldiers subject to me.
And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”When Jesus heard this, He was amazed and said to those following Him,
“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith.”“I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
✨ Reflection (Short but Deep)
Today’s readings form a powerful Advent message of faith, cleansing, and restoration.
1️⃣ God prepares and purifies (Isaiah 4)
Isaiah describes a future where God cleanses His people and protects them under His glory.
Advent is exactly this—God preparing our hearts, washing away what is unholy, and covering us with His presence.
2️⃣ A heart that rejoices to meet God (Psalm 122)
The psalm reminds us that true joy comes from going into God’s presence.
As December begins, God invites us to enter His house spiritually—with peace, gratitude, and unity.
3️⃣ Faith that moves Jesus (Matthew 8)
The centurion shows humility and absolute trust.
He didn’t need signs, proof, or physical presence—
he believed that the Word of Jesus was enough.
This is the faith Jesus is looking for in us today:
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faith that submits to His authority,
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faith that trusts His timing,
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faith that believes before the miracle comes.
✨ Advent Reminder:
Before Christmas comes the call to prepare your heart.
Not with decorations…
but with faith, surrender, and expectation.
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord, cleanse our hearts as You prepared Zion.
Give us joy as we enter Your presence.
And give us the faith of the centurion—
faith that trusts Your Word,
faith that believes before seeing,
faith that pleases Your heart.
Prepare us this Advent for Your coming. Amen.