In the ancient world, water symbolized chaos and death, something dangerous, unpredictable, and overwhelming. On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Jesus steps directly into those waters. He enters into chaos, into death itself, and transforms it. This is what Jesus always does: He enters the places we’re afraid of and begins the work of redemption. Whatever chaos we carry may it be sickness, trauma, fear, or loss, Jesus wants to enter it with us. All we have to do is invite Him in. That’s where healing begins.

As a new year begins, many of our resolutions focus on good things, like financial stability, relationships, personal strength. But none of those goals are eternal. They won’t be measured in heaven. What is eternal is our relationship with Jesus, the virtue we grow in, and the way we love. On the Feast of the Epiphany, the Magi, the shepherds, Mary, and Joseph all share one single focus: Jesus Himself. So set your goals for 2026, but don’t forget the most important resolution of all. One word. One focus. Jesus.

St. John Paul II once said that the greatest institution that has ever existed and ever will exist is the family. Greater than any corporation, league, or system we can imagine. On the Feast of the Holy Family, we’re reminded that Jesus, Mary, and Joseph placed their family life entirely in God’s hands and that trust led them into the greatest adventure of all. Their home wasn’t perfect or easy, but it was rooted in surrender. No matter how messy, broken, or complicated our own families may feel, we’re called to do the same. If we want to change the world, it has to begin with healing and holiness, in our families.

On Christmas Day, the math is surprisingly simple: the person who has God has everything, the person who doesn’t have God has nothing, and the person who has God plus everything else is no greater than the one who has God alone. That’s the heart of Christmas. God doesn’t just give us something. He gives us Himself. Jesus is the greatest gift ever offered, fully given and fully available to us. This Christmas, we’re invited to receive the gift that truly satisfies: God with us.

Who’s the most powerful person to ever come out of Kansas? Clark Kent, aka Superman. And the reason he’s Superman isn’t just where he came from, but who formed him. In this Sunday’s Gospel, the mystery of the Virgin Birth helps us understand something even greater: this is who Jesus is. Fully God and fully human. His divinity comes from the Father in heaven, and His humanity comes through Mary, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is shaped by the Father, formed by Mary and Joseph, and sent for us. As Christmas approaches, we’re invited to pause and reflect on the beauty of who He truly is God with us.

There’s a powerful moment in Rocky Balboa when a wounded son is healed by the simple words of his father: “I’m proud of you.” Those words change everything. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus does something just as striking. He praises John the Baptist. It’s a quiet but profound reminder that God doesn’t just correct or challenge us. He also delights in us. This Advent, consider a simple but healing question: When was the last time you allowed God to tell you He’s proud of you? As sons and daughters, we’re invited to receive those words and let them restore our hearts.

St. John the Baptist might be the original hipster, organic locusts, honey, vintage camel hair, but more importantly, he was the first to point to Jesus and say, “Behold the Lamb of God.” He reminds us that only Jesus can truly satisfy. Even our best moments can still feel incomplete. One student described the “best day of her life” surrounded by everyone she loved… yet something was missing. She realized that missing piece was Jesus. Joy is good but without Him, it never feels whole. This Advent, get your priorities straight: let Jesus be the one who fills what nothing else can. Point to Him, stay focused, and don’t waste the weeks leading up to Christmas.

Ever wonder where the Pope goes on vacation? Castel Gandolfo, a quiet, beautiful place where a statue of Our Lady points to her Immaculate Heart with the words cor meum vigilat: “My heart is ever vigilant” As we enter the First Sunday of Advent, the Gospel calls us to that same posture: be prepared. We don’t know the day or the hour, but Mary shows us the best way to wait. Her whole life was marked by trust. From Jesus’ childhood to His Passion, she remained vigilant, steady, and confident that the Father would take care of everything. This Advent, we’re invited to wait like Mary, with a heart that’s watchful, calm, and full of trust in our Father.