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.
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Girding Your Loins
Girding your loins 101. Number one, be a bro from the ancient world wearing your tunic. Number two, take the bottom of your tunic and tuck it into your belt. Number three, create an ancient cargo short feature, and now you are ready to go. You’re prepared to lift heavy things, to go for a nice run. You are prepared to do battle. When Jesus says, “gird your loins” in the gospel, he is saying, “be in the position to be…
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Best New Year’s Resolution
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.
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Let Jesus Satisfy
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.
