Father Madden's Sunday Reflection
St. John's Church
1st Sunday of Advent
November 30, 2025
EasterWhat's in this email?
- Fr. Madden's Sunday Reflection
- Video Mass Link
- Sunday Mass Readings
- Prayer Intentions
- Parish Resources
- Online Giving
Father Madden's
Sunday Reflection
Dear Friends in the Lord,
Every year, I find that winter is harder to take. The worst part is the darkness. I am not sure that this is true, but it sure seems as though every year it gets darker earlier. Amid this whining, it occurred to me that the Advent Season begins at the darkest time of the year. This is significant. We are told that the season has a two-fold focus: the Second Coming of Jesus Christ at the end of human history and the historical incarnation of Jesus two thousand years ago. As such, the mystery of Advent also seeks to lead us to a deeper recognition that He is, in fact, here. The Advent refrain “Come, Lord Jesus” is sung for today and forever and ever. It might be completely dark when we arise in the morning and when we are heading home from school or work, but our patron, John, reminds us that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
The Season of Advent is filled with beautiful Scripture readings, songs, prayers and traditions. They abound with the images of God’s promise and our longing for the ultimate fulfillment of that promise. A fulfillment that is achieved through the beauty that is present in both light and, even, darkness. On this journey, we face the earth’s sorrows and its bounty and experience both the goodness and the mystery of time. Today, as we begin, the Psalmist leads us in singing Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. It's most beneficial if we go together.
To that end, allow me to highlight a couple of helpful tools. They are both available to all the members of St. John’s. Indeed, many of you are already utilizing them. The Hallow app is the largest prayer site today and is offering an Advent Challenge. The challenge begins today and if you join the parish group you can still receive the free promo. Also, you can join over 200 parishioners with a free and unlimited membership on Formed.org which gives you access to a wealth of information about our Catholic faith. To join go to Formed.org/signup, enter 01604 and select St John’s parish. Then enter your name and email address and you’re in, no other passwords needed.
Finally, we have been greatly blessed this past year by our Deacon Intern, Dan Malo. This weekend marks the end of his time with us. Soon after he arrived here, Fr Brice said to me “they should ordain him now.” I agree, Dan will be a terrific Deacon. He’s almost there, too. He will be ordained in the spring. I know that I join with all of you in extending thanks to Dan for his ministry to and with us – and to his wife, Andrea who has been a regular volunteer at the St. Francis Xavier Center. May God continue to fill you both, and your son with many blessings. Pray for us and be sure of our prayers for you.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr John Madden
1st Reading: Lectionary 1
This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz,
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
"Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths."
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!
saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
In days to come,
the mountain of the LORD's house
shall be established as the highest mountain
and raised above the hills.
All nations shall stream toward it;
many peoples shall come and say:
"Come, let us climb the LORD's mountain,
to the house of the God of Jacob,
that he may instruct us in his ways,
and we may walk in his paths."
For from Zion shall go forth instruction,
and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
He shall judge between the nations,
and impose terms on many peoples.
They shall beat their swords into plowshares
and their spears into pruning hooks;
one nation shall not raise the sword against another,
nor shall they train for war again.
O house of Jacob, come,
let us walk in the light of the Lord!
Responsorial: Psalm
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
I rejoiced because they said to me,
"We will go up to the house of the LORD."
And now we have set foot
within your gates, O Jerusalem.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Jerusalem, built as a city
with compact unity.
To it the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
According to the decree for Israel,
to give thanks to the name of the LORD.
In it are set up judgment seats,
seats for the house of David.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Because of my brothers and friends
I will say, "Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
2nd Reading: Romans
Brothers and sisters:
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
You know the time;
it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep.
For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed;
the night is advanced, the day is at hand.
Let us then throw off the works of darkness
and put on the armor of light;
let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day,
not in orgies and drunkenness,
not in promiscuity and lust,
not in rivalry and jealousy.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.
Verse Before the Gospel
Christians, to the Paschal Victim
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Offer your thankful praises!
A Lamb the sheep redeems.
Christ, who only is sinless,
Reconciles sinners to the Father.
Death and life have contended in that combat stupendous:
The prince of life, who died, reigns immortal.
Speak, Mary, declaring
What you saw, wayfaring.
“The tomb of Christ, who is living,
The glory of Jesus’ resurrection.
bright angels attesting,
The shroud and napkin resting.
Yes, Christ my hope arises.
to Galilee he goes before you.”
Christ indeed from death is risen, our new life obtaining.
Have mercy, victor King, ever reigning!
Amen. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mathew
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."
"As it was in the days of Noah,
so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
In those days before the flood,
they were eating and drinking,
marrying and giving in marriage,
up to the day that Noah entered the ark.
They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away.
So will it be also at the coming of the Son of Man.
Two men will be out in the field;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Two women will be grinding at the mill;
one will be taken, and one will be left.
Therefore, stay awake!
For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.
Be sure of this: if the master of the house
had known the hour of night when the thief was coming,
he would have stayed awake
and not let his house be broken into.
So too, you also must be prepared,
for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come."
Prayer
St. John's Parish:
Prayer Needs & Intentions
Please remember the following needs and intentions in your prayers:
- Prayers for James & Patrick, for a successful procedure on Monday and complete healing. (ksulminski@gmail.com)
- My siblings, children, work situ (Kassandra R)
- Please pray for my stepson Riley. That he is open to God's wisdom and direction to the professional counselors and support system that will help redirect his mind and life from wanting to commit suicide. Please God hear our prayers for Riley and all those contemplating suicide. Read More (pamstan j)
- For all souls (Rhonda F)
- Please pray for the health and intentions of Jeff Parson in my personal health (Steve S)
- For the men to be zealous in leading their families in prayer and devout Catholic Christian living. May the Holy Spirit fill heir hearts and minds to be sober and clear-headed. (Pamela J)
- I’m having serious surgery on Tuesday. Please add me to your prayers. Thank you (Patricia C)
- Health and safety of my family, safe trip for my granddaughter and her family. Jarlath Waters, and all the less fortunate in our community. Thank you 🙏 (Anne L)
- Special intent (George V)
- for Hailey’s safe return (Artie L)
- Please pray for our daughter, Isabella and her work and health intentions. (Zandra V)
- Please pray for my family. Thank you. (Katie D)
- For my parents as we inter their ashes on their 69th wedding anniversary (Bronwyn T)
- For all suffering from alcohol & marijuana addiction. May God help them to someday stop. (Karen S)
- Prayers for Kate and family. .(Barbara D)
- Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to everyone. Henry and Emma thank you for all your prayers (Brian M)
- For healings of head cold and vertigo. (Greg P)
- Much gratitude for God’s blessings! (Susan M)
- Prayers for improved health prognosis
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS (Janice A) - For women living in abusive situations. (Sandra K)
- Asking God for guidance in the upcoming activities and for one person to
get someone else to get his needs to come home. (Joanne J) - Please pray for healing for Kathy, Paul, Arlene ,Eileen, Ed and Carole . Thank you (Kathleen L)
- Please pray for a special intention for my grandsons . Thank you (Kathleen L)
- Praying for improved health for Sharon R, Barbara L, Dorothy H, Mary O, Betty Y, Barbara M, Denise R, Helen P, Kate M, Bob R, Anita M, Ed V, Bill R, Bob K, Earle M, MaryAnn/Bob H, Andrea C, Susan M, Joe C, Ellie W, Margaret R, Mary T, Sr. Francis M, Paul R, Frank M, Jane S, Michael R, Cathy L, Bobby H, Judy H, Laura T, Beverly L, Dana S, Theresa C, Maryann F and Sr. Marna R. Read More (Donna W)
To share a prayer request or intention in the Sunday Reflection, please click the REPLY button at the bottom of the Saturday morning Prayer Intentions email and post it in the comments.
Act of Spiritual Communion
by St. Alphonsus de Liguori
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.
Our Common Prayer
O God, whose Only Begotten Son bore the weight of human suffering for our salvation, hear the prayers of your Church for all our brothers and sisters in need and deliver us from our trials. Open our ears and our hearts to the voice of your Son:
"Be not afraid, for I am with you always."
Bless all those working for the common good; give us the wisdom to do what is right and the faith to endure this hour,
that, trusting in your loving protection,
we might see the end of our struggles
and rejoice in your mercy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
by Pope Leo XIII
St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
PRAYER PLEDGE
Join the team of St. John's parishioners pledging to pray daily
for the religious education and spiritual formation of our young people
In this challenging time our commitment to praying for our youth is more necessary than ever. Without prayer we cannot hope to transmit the riches of our Catholic faith to the next generation; join us as we lift our voices to God and ask for His blessing upon our efforts to teach our young people to become disciples of Christ.
We welcome you to pray a daily prayer of your own choosing, or to use the "Prayer for St. John's Religious Education" below. 👇
Prayer for St. John's Religious Education
Most gracious Lord, we ask your blessing upon the Religious Education program of our beloved parish of St. John’s. Please allow Your love and grace to flow freely and permeate the hearts and souls of our students and their families. Holy Spirit allow your gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge, and Piety to flourish in our Catechists as they pass on the teachings of Your Church to our students. Bless our volunteers for their generosity and loyalty which keeps our program operating properly. St. Joseph, intercede for our parents in this time so that they will recognize and accept their role as leaders of the Domestic Church.
We praise and honor you our Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. Amen
St. Charles Borromeo, patron of catechists, pray for us.
St. Gemma Galgani, patron of students, pray for us.
Parish Resources
For our St. John's family
Online Giving
Safe, secure, online giving
available through our eCatholic website
