"We are a community of disciples inspired by the Holy Spirit to be living witnesses for transformation in Christ to bring about a world of justice, human development and true peace."

Word Sharing Circle (WSC) Reflection Guide
December 7, 2025 (Cycle A, Year II) – 2nd Sunday of Advent
Community Word: Jesus, our Emmanuel, brings salvation to the world and hope in every heart.

Theme: Salvation is manifested in our lives when we repent and bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Promise: “He shall have pity for the lowly…the lives of the poor he shall save.” (Ps 72:13)

Reflection:
The Second Sunday of Advent points us once more to the heart of our Christian journey: repentance that leads to transformation, and transformation that bears fruit in the Holy Spirit. In the readings, we encounter a prophecy, exhortation, and hope, each pointing to the One who comes to save, heal, and renew.

Isaiah proclaims the coming of the Messiah, the righteous Shoot from the stump of Jesse, upon whom rests the fullness of the Spirit (Is 11:1–10). This is a picture of perfect justice and peace where enemies are reconciled, what was once destroyed is restored, and hearts are made whole again. Such harmony reflects the deeper reconciliation God desires within us. Advent calls us to let the Messiah’s reign begin first in our own hearts, allowing His Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and fear of the Lord to put our desires in order and purify our intentions. Only through interior renewal can we hope to bear fruit that reflects His kingdom.

The Psalm magnifies this vision of justice: the King who rules with compassion, defends the poor, and rescues the oppressed (Ps 72). This is the kind of Savior we welcome in Advent, not one who conquers by power, but one who bends low to lift the vulnerable. Our theme reminds us that salvation is experienced personally when we imitate this heart. Repentance is not merely turning away from sin; it is turning toward the way of Christ, allowing His virtues to shape our daily choices – patience, kindness, generosity, purity, and self-control. These fruits become signs to others that God is truly at work in us.

St. Paul reinforces this by urging the community to “think in harmony” and “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you” (Rom 15:4–9). The fruit of the Spirit is never meant to be kept to oneself; it is outwardly expressed in unity, understanding, and humble service. Repentance heals relationships. It restores compassion. It forms a community that reflects the mercy of God.

John the Baptist, in the Gospel, sharpens the call: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Mt 3:1–12). His cry is urgent because repentance cannot be postponed. He warns against empty religiosity and calls for visible transformation, to “produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” Advent is thus a season of decisive action. We must identify the areas in our lives needing conversion – unforgiveness, pride, complacency, selfish habits, and spiritual lukewarmness, and allow God to prune whatever prevents growth. True repentance is proven by the fruit our lives yields.

Our promise assures us of God’s compassion: “He shall have pity for the lowly… the lives of the poor he shall save” (Ps 72:13). God draws close to those who come before Him in humility. When we repent sincerely, He lifts us up, renews our hearts, and makes our lives a testimony of His saving love.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know us more deeply than we know ourselves. Grant us the grace of true repentance, that we may love You with renewed hearts and walk faithfully in Your ways. Give our leaders compassionate and just hearts, that they may serve the common good with integrity. Bless our country, especially amid trials, corruption, and calamities, that we may work together for truth, mercy, and peace. May Your glory shine through our lives as we await the coming of Your Son, our Savior. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection Guide Questions
1. What specific area of my life is the Lord inviting me to repent during this Advent?
2. Which fruits of the Spirit am I being challenged to grow in at this time?
3. How can my repentance bring healing or encouragement to others in my family, community, or mission?

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
December 7, 2025 (Sun) – Is 11:1-10/ Ps 72:1, 2, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17/ Rom 15:4-9/ Mt 3:1-12
December 8, 2025 (Mon) – Gn 3:9-15, 20/ Ps 98:1-4/ Eph 1:3-6, 112, 12/ Lk 1:26-38
December 9, 2025 (Tue) – Is 40:1-11/ Ps 96:1-3, 10-13/ Mt 18:12-14
December 10, 2025 (Wed) – Is 40:25-31/ Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10/ Mt 11:28-30
December 11, 2025 (Thu) – Is 41:13-20/ Ps 145:1, 9, 10-11, 12-13/ Mt 11:11-15
December 12, 2025 (Fri) – Zec 2:14-17/ Jdt 13:18-19/ Lk1:26-38
December 13, 2025 (Sat) – Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/ Ps 80:2, 3, 1, 16, 18, 19/ Mt 17:9, 10-13

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ. Read your Bible daily!”

Weekly: Theme, Promise, Order, Direction and Prophesies (bldworld.org)