Study, Pray, Serve: 3rd Sunday of Advent

Here are some of the themes that emerge from the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Isaiah 61:1-2a,10-11

• The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Isaiah to preach glad tidings of hope and liberty.
• God is the source of all blessings that bring joy, justice, and praise.

Psalm – Luke 1:46-50,53-54

• “My soul rejoices in my God.”
• This “psalm” is actually taken from Mary’s Magnificat in Luke’s Gospel, proclaiming God’s goodness and mercy.

2nd Reading – 1st Thessalonians 5:16-24

• Rejoice, pray, and give thanks without ceasing, testing everything and retaining what is good.
• With God’s peace we grow in holiness, as we live blameless lives for the Lord.

Gospel – John 1:6-8,19-20

• John the Baptist testifies that he is not Elijah, the prophet, or the Christ.
• Rather, John comes to testify to the light – Jesus Christ – who is yet to come.

Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Year B, #8)

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