The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth will conceive a son who will go forth with the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare a people for the Lord.
Mass Readings – Monday of the 4th Week of Advent
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Tag Archives: Prepare the Way of the Lord
Daily Mass: The angel Gabriel speaks to Zechariah. Catholic Inspiration
Daily Mass: Prepare the way of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
Jesus speaks about John the Baptist to the crowds, revealing the greatness of the prophet and inspiring us to follow the call to repentance.
Mass Readings – Thursday of the 3rd Week of Advent
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Study, Pray, Serve: 2nd Sunday of Advent
Here’s a quick look at the themes for the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.
1st Reading – Baruch 5:1-9
- The prophet encourages the people to take off the robe of mourning and misery and put on the splendor of glory from God.
- God has commanded; he is leading the people in joy and bringing them back in glory.
Psalm 126:1-6
- “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”
- The people who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.
2nd Reading – Philippians 1:4-6,8-11
- Paul confidently prays with joy for the people that they will continue their good work until the day of Christ Jesus.
- This good work includes love, knowledge, discernment, purity and the fruit of righteousness.
Gospel – Luke 3:1-6
- Luke sets the context of John the Baptist with the names of history, such as Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate and the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas.
- John’s ministry is understood in light of the words of Isaiah…prepare the way of the Lord!
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
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2nd Sunday of Advent: Prepare the way of the Lord. Catholic Inspiration
Isaiah and John the Baptist urge the people to prepare their hearts and make a straight path that leads to God.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
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2nd Sunday of Advent: Proclaim a message of hope
Study: Recall a time when someone was a source of hope in your life. How were they present to you?
Pray: Are there situations or circumstances that are difficult right now? Ask the Lord for the gift of hope to see how to proceed.
Serve: How can you be a source of hope to another? Who do you know right now that can be strengthened by your presence?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
A Christmas Carol
Part II: People of Hope
There are a wide variety of people in the story who live with a sense of the Christmas spirit. They come from many walks of life, with different abilities and skills, yet their genuine understanding of the greater meaning of Christmas makes them excellent examples for us all.
Perhaps it’s Scrooge’s nephew, Fred. Wishing “Merry Christmas, Uncle Ebenezer!” even when he knows it will result in “Bah, Humbug!” – Fred reminds us that hope continues even when life suggests that all is lost.
We see in the Cratchit family an honest desire to make do with what life has to offer. Their affection for one another is not dependent on money or gifts, but stems from the life they have built together. The relish each others joys and feel each others sorrows – living for each other.
Maybe it’s old Fezziwig, the joyous master under whom Scrooge apprenticed. With his love for food, dance and song, Fezziwig gathered his employees and neighbors in a festive celebration of life.
Scrooge’s sister, Fan, turns out to be a gentle soul who shows great affection and concern for her older brother. Her life, though short, was marked by the sincere love that leaves a lasting and powerful impression.
Let’s not forget Tiny Tim, the little boy who looked at life as a rich blessing even though his crippled frame prevented him from living like other children. His spirit, it seems, was far larger than the limits which his body would offer; and his crutch becomes a sign of the weaknesses we all must endure at different times in life.
All of these people stand in contrast to Scrooge. They find in life reasons to hope – not because everything is always fine or comfortable. They proclaim, through their words and actions, a message that brings strength and joy. For in the midst of their struggles they recognize that there is something greater, something which is coming into the world.
Like John the Baptist, we are able to proclaim the presence of the Lord in our lives. We announce that God is near. As we discover the Lord among us, may we proclaim a message of hope to all we meet.
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Note: This post was first published on December 1, 2014.
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2nd Sunday of Advent: Prepare the way of the Lord…in your heart. Catholic Inspiration
The prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled in John the Baptist to “prepare the way of the Lord” for the coming of Jesus. Advent offers us the opportunity to make our own preparations as we repent, reconcile and look for the holy.
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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2nd Sunday of Advent: Prepare the way of the Lord.
Study: Reflect on an experience where you were able to act in a strong and powerful way. How did you prepare for this work?
Pray: Do you see an obstacle in your life that is keeping you from the Lord or another person? Pray for the grace to prepare the way.
Serve: How can you assist someone who is working on a difficult task right now?
Mass Readings – 2nd Sunday of Advent
This week we hear about John the Baptist who embodies the great call of Isaiah the prophet to “prepare the way of the Lord.” John heralds the coming of the Messiah, urging us to change our ways and prepare our hearts. Here’s a quick recap:
- 1st Reading – Isaiah comforts the people as God prepares the way.
- Psalm – “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
- 2nd Reading – We patiently await the Lord’s coming.
- Gospel – John the Baptist preaches repentance and prepares the people for Jesus.
The stirring quality of these readings prompts us to respond decisively. God calls us to action! God comes with power! The urgency underscored in these readings today emphasizes that eternal life is at stake; what we do here on earth leads to repercussions in Heaven.
Yet we also know that careful planning frequently precedes bold action. As we follow Christ we take the time that Advent offers to reflect on how the Lord is speaking to our lives. We pause in this season because there are critical times in life that demand stillness, silence, reflection and thoughtful attention. Simply put, we slow down with the Lord so that we are ready to speed up when life switches gears.
What is God doing in our lives today? What needs preparation? How is the Lord working in and through our hearts?
Take this week and perform a simple internal spiritual inventory. Consider this one question – If God called you home tonight, would you be ready? If the answer is yes, then we live our faith with eagerness and zeal. If the answer is no, then we take time to prepare the way for the Lord.
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Archive of Fr. Andrew’s Podcasts
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2nd Sunday of Advent – Road Construction – Catholic Inspiration
Fr. Andrew’s 2nd Sunday of Advent Homily Podcast
Making a highway requires removing obstacles and adding quality materials…same is true for the highway in our hearts!
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Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks- Daily Mass: The precious treasure of the widow's mite
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