In this week’s Gospel, we read a powerful message from John the Baptist. It is both a reminder and a challenge. 

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”  

These words remind us that Advent is a season of preparation. We prepare for the coming of Christmas and all its joyous moments. At CMMB, we reflect on the choices we make to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and to live out our faith as fully as possible—through love, service, and compassion. As we journey through Advent, we prepare for Christmas by aligning our choices with these values.  

Last week, on GivingTuesday, we felt your love deeply. We set out with a challenge to raise $50,000 in a single day. A generous donor decided to match all donations up to this goal. Supporters like you embraced this challenge, and we are overwhelmed with gratitude. We not only met our goal, we surpassed it. Thank you for choosing to remember our brothers and sisters in need. You have helped make their paths straighter and their rough ways smoother.  

As we embark on this new week, may we continue to challenge ourselves to make choices that spread healing and hope.