Advent

Cycle A – The Gospel of Matthew

The last Sunday of the liturgical year always ends with the Solemnity of Christ the King, to commemorate the fact that Jesus will return in glory at the end of the world. The following Sunday begins the season of Advent and welcomes a new liturgical year – that is, one of three cycles of Scripture readings used at Mass. This Advent begins cycle A, which is focused on the Gospel of Matthew.

The Gospel of Matthew spotlights Jesus as the Messianic King and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. It is believed to have been written for an audience familiar with Jewish traditions and beliefs. This Gospel emphasizes Jesus' teachings that elevate these beliefs, particularly the Sermon on the Mount; and portrays Him as the new Moses, bringing a new law, the law of love. The Gospel of Matthew's unique focus on these themes contributes to its distinctiveness compared to the other Gospels.

Advent is a time of reflection and preparation for the arrival of the Messiah, and the readings of the season reflect this. Every year, we must all make ready for the fullness of the Incarnation in the birth of Jesus and follow the example he has given us as Emmanuel, “God with us.” Mt. 1:23.

Week 1

First Sunday of Advent, November 30, 2025 – The followers of Jesus must be prepared when he returns.

“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.” Mt. 24: 42-44

Week 2

Second Sunday of Advent, December 7, 2025 – John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, announces the impending appearance of the Savior.

“John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!’ It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Mt. 3: 1-3

Week 3

Third Sunday of Advent, December 14, 2025 – From his imprisonment, John the Baptist makes inquiries about Jesus – could he be the one who is the promised Savior?

“When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?’ Jesus said to them in reply, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.’ ” Mt. 11:2-4

Week 4

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2025 – A description of how the birth of Jesus was to come about.

“When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit … All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’ “ Mt. 1: 18-2