Second Sunday of Advent

The Month of December Dedicated to Advent and the Coming of Christ

In other years: Saint John Damascene, Priest, Doctor of the Church, "Last of the Church Fathers" (675/76-749)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 53:1-16 The Reception of Guests

Mass:  Is 11:1-10; Resp Ps 72; Rm 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12

Profound peace, till the moon be no more.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

OUR LADY OF VAILANKANNI,

SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL,

PRAY FOR US.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God

(Rm 15:7)

Welcome to the Second Sunday of Advent. Marana tha! Come, Lord Jesus!

John the Baptist makes his grand appearance this season and literally appears in the desert and preaches: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" (Mt 3:1-2). And how might our repentance be evident? It is by the good fruit that we produce (Mt 3:8). Very good fruit, then, is in how we welcome one another, as Saint Paul writes, welcome one another as Christ welcomed us (see Rm 15:7). And that is one reason why our holy father Saint Benedict begins his chapter on the reception of guests in this way: "All guests who present themselves are to be welcomed as Christ, for He Himself will say: I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Proper honor must be shown to all, especially to those who share our faith and to pilgrims" (Rule of Saint Benedict, 53:1-2). United in faith and prayer, all that we do in word and deed is for the glory of God. For His dwelling shall be glorious (Is 11:10).

Lead me to pastures, Lord, and graze there with me. Do not let my heart lean either to the right or to the left, but let your good Spirit guide me along the straight path. Whatever I do, let it be in accordance with your will, now until the end.

(From The Statement of Faith by Saint John Damascene, priest, in Office of Readings, December 4)

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST,

SAINT JOHN DAMASCENE,

SAINT MARY ELIZABETH HESSELBLAD,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: By custom, today's photo would be of our Advent wreath with two candles burning. This photo, from an early morning, February 21, 2021, fit so well with the Responsorial Psalm though. Our Advent wreath is coming soon. Justice shall flower in his days.

© Gertrude Feick 2022