December 10, 2025

What we see unfolding in our nation is a vicious pattern of hatred rooted in the rejection of God, of the dignity of the human person, and the sanctity of the family. We can eradicate these ills only through a firm reliance on God, through a deeper devotion to Christ and the Gospel, through a sincere love for persons reflected in law, and through a renewed commitment to justice and public order.

We are living through a perilous moment. Our challenge is not only one of partisan disagreement, law, and policy, but in a deeper way our challenge is to uphold the central goods of American political life: of faith, of families, and of a national commitment to live together in harmony as brothers and sisters.

Bishop Michael Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington, VA


Dear Parishioners,

Today we celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent, called Gaudete Sunday; the Latin word for rejoice. The Scripture readings today are filled with promise; they bring hope to a people heavy under the burden of waiting. Even in our liturgy things began to look alive. A rose-colored candle is lit on the advent wreath, as well as a rose-colored vestment is worn for the celebration of Mass. All these things combined reinstate the fact that the coming of the Lord is closer; therefore we rejoice as  people of faith.

The prophet Isaiah wrote a beautiful poem that proclaims that the dry earth of the desert will bloom with abundant flowers, and the glory of Lebanon will be given. Throughout his writing, Isaiah references Lebanon as an iconic place of fertility and beauty. Contrary to the barren hills surrounding Jerusalem, Lebanon was known for its rich cedar forests. Isaiah employs this image to foreshadow what the Christian Scriptures call the “new heaven and earth,” or the restoration of creation, including humanity, to God’s original intent. This is a fitting image for Advent, as we prepare for heaven to literally come to earth, the wedding of what “will be” with what currently “is.”

Each of us is a work in progress. Every day, we are being transformed as part of Christ’s mission of restoration and redemption. Sometimes the growth we undergo feels painfully slow, as though we are barely progressing; sometimes it feels as though we are retreating backward, not growing into something beautiful but rather being overcome by thorns and thistles. 

Amid such moments, we can return to the prophet Isaiah’s words: Say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! This poem of joyful hope goes on to say: Here is your God, he comes with vindication. So, too, must we wait with hope, enduring our setbacks with faithfulness and patience. In the second reading, James offers further encouragement when he says: Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.

In St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ words continue the theme of Isaiah when he tells John the Baptist’s disciples: Go and tell John what you hear and see. People are healed and Good News is proclaimed to the poor, just as Isaiah predicted. Jesus assures the crowd he is the one who is to come. Jesus rejoices in John’s mission of preparing the way for God’s only Son. Jesus says there is no one greater than John and yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

What does this mean for us? John baptized with water and Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins and gives us his body to eat. When he promises to be with us always, we are blessed to be included in his kingdom. Let us rejoice on this Gaudete Sunday in what Jesus has done for us. Let us prepare our hearts not only for his coming but for his kingdom.

God Love Ya!
Fr. Reilly




There will be a second collection taken up this weekend, for this very special Hospital.

Located just 1500 steps from the birthplace of Christ, the Holy Family Hospital is the Bethlehem region’s premier Catholic teaching hospital with a state of the art maternity and neonatal care center serving women, infants and children throughout the Holy Land.

No family is ever turned away, allowing the hospital to be a beacon of hope for the poor and at risk families in the Bethlehem region.

Please welcome Ambassador Michele Bowe, from the Order of Malta, and the Hospital’s Foundation President, who will be speaking at all Masses about the Hospital's mission to deliver life, peace and hope in the Holy Land. 

Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem brings hope and help to West Bank Christians - America Magazine 

https://www.americamagazine.org/politics-society/weekly-dispatch/2025/12/05/ambassador-bowe-bethlehem-holy-family-west-bank-christians/




                              
If you are looking for last minute gifts and stocking stuffers, the Shepherds of Bethlehem will be here selling their famous olive wood carvings.

Elias, who is from Bethlehem, in the Holy Land ad will be retuning for Christmas with his family, reached out to me and asked to come this last weekend to help support the economy in the Holy Land and the Christian workers of Bethlehem.

If you could help in anyway to make this Christmas a joy filled one for those Christians struggling in the Holy Land, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!



 
The deadline for our Christmas Giving Tree Project is coming up! Please remember to return your gift cards or wrapped Christmas present (with the tag attached and clearly visible) no later than THIS Sunday, December 14 at 12:00 Noon.

Please contact [email protected] for additional questions or concerns.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!



Saints Peter and Paul parish invites you to participate in a special presentation of "Lessons and Carols" on Sunday, December 14, at 4:00 PM in the Church. 

Take a break from the holiday rush to be refreshed by word, song and fellowship.