Advent: Season of Repentance
In this Sunday Mass homily at Saint Michael Kalibo, +Bp. Romie-Jun Peñalosa reminded us that Advent is truly a season of repentance. He stressed that Advent and Christmas are two distinct liturgical seasons. While we look forward to the joy of Christmas, we must first prepare our hearts during Advent: the season of repentance.
The Gospel highlights this call to conversion. John the Baptist prepares the way for the coming of Jesus, urging everyone to repent. In the same way, we must experience our own Jordan River before we enter the joy waiting for us in Bethlehem. After all, without the message of John the Baptist, we cannot fully welcome Jesus Christ. The word “repentance” comes from the Greek metanoia, meaning “to rethink” or “to change one’s mind.” Therefore, Advent: Season of Repentance invites us to reshape our thoughts so they align with the mind of God. The baptism John offered symbolizes this transformation—a deliberate decision to turn away from old patterns and embrace God’s way of thinking.
As we move deeper into Advent, we are called to make a highway for our God. Yet before we can prepare the world for Him, we must first prepare a path for Him to enter our own lives. This begins by opening our hearts. Advent is also a season of honest evaluation—a moment to examine whether our lives still bear the fruit of repentance. Only through genuine repentance can true spiritual fruit grow. Transformation starts within, and conversion moves outward from a renewed heart.
Thus, let us spend more time with God so we can recognize the changes He brings into our lives. Let us willingly enter the “wilderness” of Advent: Season of Repentance, trusting that this journey prepares us for the profound joy of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Second Sunday of Advent – December 7, 2025
First Proclamation: Isaiah 11:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 72:1-2,3-4,5-6,7-8
Second Proclamation: Romans 15:4-7, 13
Gospel Proclamation: Matthew 3:1-12
Homily by +Bp. Romie- Jun Peñalosa
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