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Fr. Dave Heney

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Gospel Reflections for December 14 2025: 3rd Sunday of Advent

December 12, 2025 By Father Dave 10 Comments

Gospel Reflections for December 14 2025

Gospel for December 14 2025 – Matthew 11:2-11

Gospel Reflections for December 14 2025

Make straight the way of the Lord…

John the Baptist in today’s Gospel finally sees exactly what the First Reading predicted. 

The First Reading from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah describes what the future Kingdom of God will look like and how it will come about by the actions of the Lord.

Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense, he comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing..

This kingdom looks like a great place! Amazingly, this passage was written by Isaiah at a time of intense persecution and suffering, and yet it is filled with great hope. That is the hope-filled vision you might need today as well.

Jesus fulfills that prophecy in the Gospel. Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.

You actually are in a long line of prophets called by God who chose to live and proclaim this same message of hope.

There is much going on now that can create much sadness as the Isaiah passage indicates. Every day you can see images of war in the Middle East and Ukraine, fierce political debates, and perhaps whatever is going on in your own life. 

Even John the Baptist feels that he is a lone voice crying out from the loneliness of a desert wasteland. Yet that did stop him from recognizing and spreading God’s love. Despite facing hills and valleys he made sure the message of salvation travelled a straight path to every soul. 

You are called to live and proclaim this same positive message of love and hope now, even in the midst of everything going on.

You will find the strength, courage, and wisdom you need at every Mass. That is why Our Lord left this powerful sacrament for you. Despite all that is going on you will have the peace of mind to stay steady and calm in a swirling world. 

Your steady faith is exactly what the world and your loved ones need to see right now.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave

Fr. Dave Heney - DaveHeney.com

Filed Under: Gospel Reflections

About Father Dave

Fr. Dave Heney was ordained a parish priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles in 1978. In 1991 he received a Masters degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from the University of Southern California. He has authored three books and founded The University Series, a Lenten adult education program. Currently he is Pastor of St. Bruno Catholic Church in Whittier, California. Learn more about Fr. Dave >>

Comments

  1. Tom Joyce says

    December 13, 2025 at 2:23 am

    You are so right Farher Dave. Steady Faith is what is truly needed and our Mass is where it can be found. The Readings during Advent are truly inspiring. Though thousands of years old they possess wisdom and guidance that show us the Path to success. Guided also by the knowledge of good Ptiests and Nuns to explain helps.
    Thanks for all you and others do to point the way!
    I was reading some articles about a new Saint , Carlo Acutas that are quite inspiring.

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      December 27, 2025 at 6:43 pm

      Yes, old readings still used today …and a brand new teenage saint!

      Reply
  2. Argyle Nelson says

    December 13, 2025 at 11:15 am

    Merry Christmas Fr Dave. Argyle and Barbara Nelson

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      December 27, 2025 at 6:44 pm

      …And a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

      Reply
  3. Franca and Dick Dornan says

    December 13, 2025 at 8:40 pm

    Beautifully said Father Dave!! Love our precious Masses and love receiving our lovimg Jesus!! With our Jesus within us Let’s liveeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus’ loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and touch others with His transforming loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee makes the world so beautiful!!! and in doing this we will crowd our Heaven for our loving Jesus and for His precious Father and for our beautiful Blessed Mother!! and we will make the world beautiful in Jeusu’ love!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!!

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      December 27, 2025 at 6:44 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  4. Harriet says

    December 15, 2025 at 10:29 am

    Merry Christmas, Father Heney! Did you mean “did not” for this sentence: “Yet that did stop him from recognizing and spreading God’s love.”

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      December 27, 2025 at 6:44 pm

      Yes, good catch!

      Reply
  5. Kathleen says

    December 23, 2025 at 8:17 am

    Dear Father Dave,

    I totally understand this Divine-oriented message.

    Sometimes when we’re in the middle of the upside down aspects of living, faith holds us near and dear.

    God bless.

    Kathleen

    Reply
    • Father Dave says

      December 27, 2025 at 6:47 pm

      Yes, faith keeps us steady in the midst of turmoil, for sure.

      Reply

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