Second Sunday of Advent

Today the Church celebrates the Second Sunday of Advent. The assigned readings are Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14; and Mark 1:1-8. The Responsorial Psalm is from Psalm 85 (Psalm 85:9-14).

For one version of the Responsorial Psalm set to music, please visit:

YouTube: Psalm 85: Lord, Let Us See Your Kindness

The Gospel reading is as follows:

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: "Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'" John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt  around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

Reflections related to these readings:

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Salesian Sunday Reflections: Second Sunday of Advent

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales: Sundays Salesian: Second Sunday of Advent (December 10, 2023)

Community in Mission: The Fire Next Time - A Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent (9 DEC 23)

Benedictine College: This Sunday, Many Of Us Don’t Really Believe He'll Come Again. But He Absolutely Will. (7 DEC 23)

Word on Fire: Confronting the Powers That Be (Cycle B * Advent * 2nd Wk of Advent)