The Third Sunday of Advent invites us to rejoice even as we wrestle with the tension between our expectations and God’s surprising ways. The Hebrew prophets offered many images of the Messiah—some, like Isaiah, promised a time of healing, restoration, and peace, while others imagined a fierce warrior who would purge the world with decisive power.

John the Baptist proclaimed this latter vision, but now, imprisoned and surrounded by silence, he wonders whether Jesus is truly the One. Jesus responds not with force but with signs of quiet transformation: the blind see, the lame walk, the poor receive good news. The kingdom emerges not through spectacle but through changed hearts.

Advent reminds us that inner conversion is the seed of any lasting renewal in the world—corruption spreads from hearts untouched by grace, while healed hearts radiate healing outward. As we move toward Christmas, we are called to let Christ revive the barren places within us, restoring spiritual vitality and cleansing the deserts of sin. If we allow Him to transform our lives in these remaining days, we will discover with deep joy that the Messiah has indeed come—to our world, to our life, and to our soul.

~ Fr. Bryan

HEALING THE HIDDEN PLACES

As the Third Sunday of Advent arrives, I am reminded that joy is not simply a feeling but a decision to trust God even when His ways don’t match my expectations. Like many people, I sometimes wait for God to act in dramatic, unmistakable ways. I want clarity, quick answers, or strong signs that He is moving. John the Baptist felt this same tension. After proclaiming a powerful, fiery Messiah, he suddenly finds himself in prison, questioning whether Jesus is truly the One he prepared the way for.

But Jesus responds with a different kind of revelation. He points not to displays of force but to quiet, lifegiving signs, the blind see, the lame walk, and the poor receive hope. It reminds me that God’s kingdom often unfolds in subtle but transformative moments that I may overlook when I am focused on my own expectations.

This season invites me to examine my heart more honestly. Real and lasting renewal begins inside. Brokenness in the world continues when hearts remain untouched by grace, but healing begins when God is allowed to soften and restore those inner spaces where fear, discouragement, or sin have taken root.

As Christmas approaches, I feel called to surrender the dry and barren parts of my life to Christ. When I let Him enter those hidden places, I begin to recognize that the Messiah is not distant

~ Leng

PRAYER TO START THE WEEK

Lord Jesus, when life feels confusing, remind me that You’re still at work even when I can’t see it. Help me notice the small ways You show Your love every day. And when doubts come, strengthen
my faith and draw me closer to You. Amen.