Welcome to our reflection for the Third Sunday of Advent with Bishop Frank Dougan. As we continue our journey towards Christmas, Bishop Frank invites us to look honestly at our hearts and consider why we sometimes hesitate to run towards the Lord. If God is truly a God of love, mercy and healing, what is it within us that makes us hold back?

This week’s Gospel reminds us of the signs of Christ’s presence: the blind seeing, the lame walking, the deaf hearing, and the poor receiving hope. Bishop Frank reflects on how these physical healings point to the deeper spiritual healing and forgiveness Christ offers to each one of us.

Using the simple image of a child who joyfully throws themselves into the arms of someone they trust, he encourages us to approach God with the same confidence and freedom. Even the parts of ourselves we fear or hide are not obstacles to His love. God never turns away; He waits patiently for us to turn to Him.