December 21, 2025, 4th Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-24

I think dreams are gifts, very special because they are insights that contribute to our human experience. Some of our dreams come out of fear, some as a message of consolation. Our dreams often reveal emotions or truths we might not fully recognize in our waking lives, serving as windows into our hopes and maybe anxieties. When I read this Gospel, I always remember when my mother had a dream of the Blessed Virgin Mary and how people knelt before her. She even remembered the words, “Hail Mary, dressed in blue, holding the Infant Jesus, I kneel at your feet with people prostrated before Thee…” When she told me about it the next morning, I was amazed but she said it was just a dream. I reminded her about St. Joseph, how he had a dream that an angel appeared to him: “And said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’’’ Yes, Joseph just had a dream, but he played a role in the salvation of Jesus Christ. Joseph’s trust and willingness to follow the guidance of his dream remind us that dreams can guide us toward our purpose and call us to act with faith. Asking God to bless you and your loved ones. MK

Pope Leo XIV – Intentions for the month of December 2025: Pope Leo XIV’s prayer intention focuses on the importance of education for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, emphasizing the need for their right to education to be respected.
Overview of the Intention
Pope Leo XIV has entrusted specific prayer intentions for each month, and for December 2025, the intention highlights the critical role of education in building a better world. The intention calls for prayers that migrants, refugees, and those affected by conflict may have their right to education upheld, which is essential for personal development and societal progress. (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)

“BE DOERS OF THE WORD,” by Bishop James S. Wall, Bishop of the Gallup diocese 2024: “Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup discusses his special connection to the diocese and his experience as bishop in this unique diocese. Bishop Wall also talks about how the Catholic Home Missions Appeal helps provide the faithful of his diocese with the most basic things and why contributing to the Collection is so important. Bishop Wall’s diocese also has the highest percentage of Native American lands of any diocese in the country, he briefly discusses how the Church can minister to Native Americans through the Pastoral Framework for Indigenous Ministry “Keeping Christ’s Sacred Promise”.

MISSION STATEMENT –The Monastery of Our Lady of the Desert is a monastic community of women in the Benedictine tradition. We profess vows of stability, conversion of life and obedience. Our primary mission, is to seek God through a life of prayer, silence and solitude. Our way of life frees us to give glory and praise to God, intercede through prayer for the needs of the world and hospitality