Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today we celebrate the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, a model of discipleship lived in the ordinary rhythms of family life. Their faith was not always easy, yet it was steadfast, humble, and full of love.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

As we reach the final days of Advent, the Church places before us the quiet, strong figure of Saint Joseph. In today's Gospel, he is described as 'a righteous man' - a man whose discipleship prepares the way for Christ's coming not with words, but with trust, obedience, and courageous love.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

Today is Gaudete Sunday, the Sunday of joy. The rose candle reminds us that the Lord is near, and that true discipleship is marked by a joy the world cannot give.

In today's Gospel, John the Baptist, now imprisoned, sends his disciples to Jesus asking, "Are you the one who is to come?". Jesus responds not with theories but with signs: "The blind see, the lame walk, the poor hear the Good News." The works of mercy reveal the presence of the Messiah.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

On this Second Sunday of Advent, the figure of John the Baptist steps onto the scene as the great model of Advent discipleship. His voice rings out in today's Gospel: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'