2025/12/14 SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Third Sunday of Advent
- Victor Lara, Asst Mgr of Events & Ministry Engagement
As I read the words of the prophet Isaiah — “Be strong, fear not! Here is your God; he comes with vindication, with divine recompense he comes to save you” — I looked toward the Advent wreath and lit the third candle. In that moment, my hope felt fulfilled. A quiet peace settled in my heart, reminding me that God is with me… and that He has always been with me. The light of the wreath reminded me that God is never far away; He simply waits for our “yes” so that joy may enter our hearts.
A year ago today, I received my call to return to the Father, much like the Prodigal Son. I kept hearing a gentle whisper in my heart: Come home… come home, my son. I did not understand why God would speak such words to me. Why would He call me?
I was baptized as a child and received my First Holy Communion at thirteen. When my mother asked if I wanted to prepare for Confirmation, I said no—I wasn’t ready for a commitment I did not understand. I remained spiritually ignorant until, at thirty-three, God lifted me out of my own brokenness and called me by name.
Growing up in a fast-paced culture and living a corporate lifestyle, I carried no guilt for the sinful life I was living. Spiritually, I was sick. Toward the end of last year, every Sunday I woke with an unexplained desire to go to Mass, but it was drowned out by the vices I clung to. I ignored the longing… until a deep and painful moment when I asked myself, “Is this all I will ever be?”
When the new year arrived, I went to confession after seven years and decided to complete my Sacraments of Initiation. Although raised Catholic, I had never truly been a disciple of Christ. This Easter Vigil, I received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and since then I have made every intention to walk with the Lord patiently. The road is long and not easy, but what I have gained far outweighs everything I lost in this material world.
St. James tells us, “You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand.” As this year progressed, I became impatient with myself, trying too hard to perform as a Christian — to produce results I imagined God expected of me. I ignored the most important work of all: allowing God to transform my heart of stone into a heart of flesh. That realization led me to leave my corporate job and remain unemployed for nearly six months. Through it all, my family supported me, and I recognized God’s providence. Then, in September, I was hired at Saint Clement, and I believe God placed me here to serve, to listen, and to wait on His Word and His calling.
I found myself joining different ministries — children’s religious education, family prayer leadership, OCIA, lector ministry — wanting to serve God in every way I could. Yet I overlooked the ministry that mattered most: the conversion of my own heart. I needed to learn to love God and others as they are. I needed to detach from the speed and noise of the world. I needed to let go of friendships that did not lead me closer to God. I needed time alone with His Word, to contemplate His teachings. I needed to stop… and wait.
God waited thirty-three years for me to return to Him. Therefore, I can wait a lifetime for Him.
Jesus says, “The poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” This Advent, I wait for God in Bethlehem, in glory, and at the hour of my death. God never fails. God never disappoints.
So, rejoice, brothers and sisters — for the Lord is near and far, yet always in our hearts, waiting patiently for our “yes.”