Daily Byte - November 29, 2025

Today we come to the end. Our Liturgical Year C finishes tonight, and tomorrow the new Liturgical Year A will commence with the Season of Advent which is all about solidarity. The first two weeks impregnate us with the hope that our Lord will return to take us to Himself at the end of time. He who journeyed with us through His Spirit, will come to bring us home. The remaining two weeks will shift our attention to the first coming of the Lord to save us. He who loves us does not want to be distant from us. He chose to be born in time, to be one like us and be in solidarity with our various challenges and struggles in life.

In imitation of Christ, how can we show solidarity with those who were devastatingly affected by hurricane Melissa and for whom life felt like the end? Praying and sending donations are good . But can we show empathy on a deeper level? Are we willing to cut back on our Christmas decorations as a sign of our solidarity with those who will have no electricity this Christmas? Can we scale back on our annual Christmas dinners and parties this year as a sign of our real compassion for those without proper food and homes? Are we willing to make solidarity not just a word, but a ‘word made flesh’ to reveal the heart and presence of our Lord?

We celebrate the gift of the Lord in our lives, anticipate His return and acknowledge His Incarnation. However, we are told by the Lord to “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life and that day catch you by surprise like a trap” (Lk. 21:34-36). Enjoying life is good because all good things are blessings from God. Context can determine the extent we go and the sacrifice that beckons. Jesus who is full of compassion entered into our suffering, at times to heal and at other times just to share the moment with us. Let His beauty be seen in us this Yuletide Season.

Saving Lord, we thank You for choosing to empty Yourself of Your power and glory to walk humbly in solidarity with us, especially in our challenges and sufferings in life. You carried Your cross for us. Now You not only invite us to carry our own cross, but also to truly help others carry their cross when it seems too heavy to bear. May our imitation of You bring courage to those who experience the sacrifice we offer, and bring heartfelt joy to those whose lives we touch and serve. Amen.

Blessings,
Fr. Howie


READINGS
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/reading...