Study, Pray, Serve: 3rd Sunday of Advent

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Let’s review some of the themes we find in the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Zephaniah 3:14-18a

  • Jerusalem will sing and exult for joy, for the Lord has removed judgment and turned away her enemies.
  • The Lord God is in the midst of the people, a mighty savior who renews them with his love.

Psalm – Isaiah 12:2-6

  • “Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.”
  • We are confident, unafraid, and thankful; the Lord, our savior, is in our midst.

2nd Reading – Philippians 4:4-7

  • Rejoice in the Lord always; let go of all anxiety and be filled with peace and understanding.
  • With prayer, petition and thanksgiving we make our requests known to God.

Gospel – Luke 3:10-18

  • John the Baptist gives guidance and counsels the people on moral topics.
  • John then tells the people about the mighty one who is to come, who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mass Readings – 3rd Sunday of Advent (Year C, #9)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


2nd Sunday of Advent: God calls us to repent of our sins. Catholic Inspiration

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John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah to prepare the way of the Lord.

Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent (#6)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Christ empowers us to serve in the world. Catholic Inspiration

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Jesus gives his authority to the Twelve and sends them to carry out his example of preaching, teaching, healing, and driving out evil…all without cost.

Mass Readings – Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent (#180)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Ambrose, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Christ heals our sight. Catholic Inspiration

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As Jesus heals the two blind men and restores their sight, we turn to Christ in our spiritual blindness that we might see clearly and respond directly to the Lord.

Mass Readings – Friday of the 1st Week of Advent (#179)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Nicholas, pray for us!


Daily Mass: The Lord is our strength. Catholic Inspiration

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Like a house built on a rock, when we build our lives upon the Lord we find a strength that sustains us in times of difficulty and distress.

Mass Readings – Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent (#178)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


Daily Mass: Christ heals and nourishes our lives. Catholic Inspiration

Jesus heals and feeds the thousands that draw near, inspiring us to seek from the Lord what we require to continue to offer our lives in loving service.

Mass Readings – Wednesday of the 1st Week of Advent (#177)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. John Damascene, pray for us!


Daily Mass: What will others see and hear from us? Catholic Inspiration

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus praises the heavenly Father for the glory that has been revealed to the disciples by what they see and hear.

Mass Readings – Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent (#176)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives

St. Francis Xavier, pray for us!


Daily Mass: Lord, we are not worthy…only say the word. Catholic Inspiration

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The centurion’s response to Jesus reveals a profound faith in the Lord’s authority, inviting us to reflect on how we call upon the Lord for the grace we need.

Mass Readings – Monday of the 1st Week of Advent (#175)


Study, Pray, Serve: 2nd Sunday of Advent

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Here are some of the themes that we discover in the Mass readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.

1st Reading – Baruch 5:1-9

  • Jerusalem will take off the robe of mourning and misery and put on the splendor of God’s glory.
  • The children of Israel will return in joy to the holy city from the east and the west.

Psalm – 126:1-6

  • “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
  • By the power of God, laughter and rejoicing have replaced weeping and sorrow.

2nd Reading – Philippians 1:4-6,8-11

  • Until the very day of Christ Jesus, God will complete the good work that was begun in the disciples.
  • Paul prays that the people will increase in love, knowledge, discernment, purity and the fruit of righteousness.

Gospel – Luke 3:1-6

  • The ministry of John the Baptist is located within the specifics of the historical figures of his day.
  • John’s proclamation of repentance fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 40:3-5.

Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent (Year C, #6)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives


1st Sunday of Advent: We are ready and prepared for the coming of Christ. Catholic Inspiration

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Advent offers a powerful opportunity to prepare our hearts for the Lord’s coming, and we begin this holy season by renewing our efforts to build up the relationships that God sets before us.

Mass Readings – 1st Sunday of Advent (#3)

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Catholic Inspiration Archives