Advent Week Two - Cycle B

Second Sunday of Advent
December 6, 2020

Readings

First Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 (8)
Second Reading: 2 Peter 3: 8-14
Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8

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This week’s Scripture readings speak of comfort, tenderness and forgiveness. They also proclaim the Lord’s patience, our need to wait in hope for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a new heaven and a new earth, and being prepared to be baptized with the Holy Spirit. In the midst of suffering and separation we are reminded that our God comes like a shepherd, a shepherd who feeds and gathers his flock, carrying and leading them with care.

Think

Recall people who have been sources of comfort, tenderness and forgiveness in your life. How have they and their actions restored hope in you? Who is someone, or in what situation, can you extend comfort, tenderness and forgiveness?

Pray

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me; he restores my soul.

He guides me along right paths
for the sake of his name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me.

You set a table before me
in front of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for endless days.

Prayer of St. Francis de Sales

Do not look forward in fear to the changes and chances of this life;
Rather, look to them with full confidence that, as they arise,
God, to whom you belong will in His love enable you to profit by them.
He has guided you thus far in life, and He will lead you safely through all trials;
and when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering,
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
Amen.

Act

Send a card, note or letter of encouragement to someone who is alone, sick or that you have not communicated with in some time.

Choose an action you can do this week that witnesses to God’s Kingdom of justice and peace.

Additional Resources

Pope Francis’ Prayer for the Immaculate Conception, December 8

A Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, December 12

Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mystical Rose,
Make intercession for the Holy Church,
Protect our sovereign, Pope Francis,
Help all those who invoke you in their necessities,
And since you are the ever Virgin Mary
and Mother of the true God, obtain for us from your most holy Son
the grace of keeping our faith,
of sweet hope in the midst of the bitterness of life
of burning charity, and the precious gift of final perseverance.
Amen.