📖 Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
“A shoot shall come forth from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a branch shall bear fruit. … The Spirit of the LORD shall rest on him: a spirit of wisdom and understanding … and the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea.” Catholic Gallery+1
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.
“Give to the king your judgment, O God; and to the king’s son your justice. … In his days shall justice spring up, and abundance of peace, till the moon be no more. … He shall rescue the needy when he cries, and the poor who has no helper. … May his name endure for ever; may his fame continue as long as the sun.” Catholic Online+1
Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9
“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. … Accept one another, then, as Christ accepted you, for the glory of God.” Catholic Gallery+1
Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12
“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ … ‘Bear fruit worthy of repentance.’ … ‘His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing‐floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’” USCCB+1
🙏 Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
As we begin this Mass in the season of Advent, open our hearts to hear Your Word,
that a shoot may spring from the stump of Jesse in our lives,
and that Your Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and counsel may rest upon us.
Prepare us, we pray, to bear fruit worthy of repentance,
and to live in unity, hope and peace, as we await the coming of Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Through Him, with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
✅ Reflection & Explanation
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Hope and fulfillment (First Reading): The prophecy speaks of a new shoot from Jesse (the father of King David) — an image of the Messiah who brings justice, peace and knowledge of God to all. It’s a promise of hope, especially in times of injustice, conflict or fragmentation.
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Justice, peace and universal scope (Psalm): The Psalm echoes the vision: the king (Messiah) rules with justice, saves the needy and the poor, his rule extends far and wide. For us, this challenges us to ask: how is justice and peace flourishing in my life and community?
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Scripture as teaching and unity (Second Reading): Paul reminds us that the Scriptures sustain us in hope, guide us in endurance, and should lead us into unity — “with one mind and one mouth glorify God.” For catechumens, this highlights the importance of Scripture in formation; for Catholics, the importance of unity in the Body of Christ.
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Repentance and preparation (Gospel): John the Baptist’s call to repentance is urgent: the kingdom is near. He warns that one who comes after him (Jesus) will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire; the winnowing fan is in his hand. This motivates an active readiness — not passive waiting.
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Applying for Singapore context:
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In Singapore’s plural, fast-paced society, Advent’s theme of “prepare the way” invites us to slow down, repent, and open space for God.
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Justice and peace: we live in a diverse society; how do we work for the poor, the marginalised, the newcomer? The Psalm invites us to examine our attitudes and actions.
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Unity: With many parishes, communities, languages in Singapore, Paul’s exhortation to unity has special resonance — we are one Body though many gifts.
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Community and mission: John’s call to bear fruit leads us outward. In local parishes, in families, workplaces, how are we bearing good fruit? Examples: care for elderly migrants, accompany those in need, be witnesses of hope.
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🎯 Application for Catholics and Catechumens
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For Catechumens:
Use this Advent season to deepen your rooting in scripture. Consider: What “shoot from Jesse” is God growing in you? What gifts of the Spirit are being laid upon you in formation? How are you preparing your heart as you draw nearer to Baptism/Eucharist? -
For Catholics:
Renew your commitment to bearing fruit worthy of repentance. Look back at this past year: Have you responded to the kingdom near you? Are you active in justice and peace initiatives? Are you living unity with your parish community? Use this Sunday to ask the Holy Spirit: where must I change? How can I serve more fully? -
Together (Community): As a parish or small group: Reflect on how your community bears witness in Singapore — to vulnerable persons, to solidarity across cultural lines, to readiness for Christ’s coming. Maybe plan an outreach or an Advent preparation event.
🙌 Closing Prayer
Loving God,
You sent John the Baptist to prepare the way of Your Son.
Grant us the grace to listen to his call: to repent, to bear good fruit and to live in unity.
May the shoot from the root of Jesse spring forth in our community here in Singapore:
that wisdom, understanding, counsel and strength may shine in our actions.
As we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, fill us with hope, peace and joy—
that we may live as one body, one family, glorifying You with one heart and one voice.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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