Daily Mass Readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
- First Reading - Isaiah 35:1-10: Isaiah prophesies a transformation where deserts bloom and God's glory is revealed. He will strengthen the weak and heal the afflicted, creating a safe, sacred path for the redeemed.
- Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 85: God's peace and nearness to the reverent are proclaimed. Kindness, truth, justice, and peace unite, bringing prosperity and guiding the path of His saving steps.
- Gospel - Luke 5:17-26: In a crowded gathering, Jesus healed a paralyzed man, first forgiving his sins. This act sparked controversy among the Pharisees and scribes, who questioned Jesus' authority to forgive sins. To demonstrate His divine power, Jesus commanded the paralyzed man to walk, which he did, leaving the onlookers in awe and praising God for witnessing such miracles.
And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus.
Luke 5:18-20
Themes for the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
- Faith and Determination: The determination of the friends to bring the paralyzed man to Jesus, even going to the extent of lowering him through the roof, exemplifies deep faith and persistence. This theme encourages believers to be persistent in their faith and in seeking Jesus, especially in challenging circumstances.
- Forgiveness of Sins: Jesus’ first response to the paralyzed man is to forgive his sins, highlighting the spiritual aspect of His healing and the importance of forgiveness. This emphasizes that spiritual healing and reconciliation are central to Jesus’ mission.
- Authority of Jesus: The passage illustrates Jesus’ authority to forgive sins, which only God can do. This assertion of divine authority is a key aspect of Jesus’ identity and mission and a foundational belief in Christian faith.
- Physical Healing as a Sign of Spiritual Authority: The physical healing of the paralyzed man serves as a sign of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. It demonstrates that Jesus’ miraculous works are not just acts of compassion but also attestations of His divine authority.
- Response of the People: The reaction of awe and praise by the witnesses underscores the impact of witnessing Jesus’ miracles. It serves as a reminder of the proper response to God’s work - wonder, praise, and glorification.
- Advent as a Time for Spiritual Renewal: In Advent, this story invites believers to seek spiritual renewal and healing. It calls for recognition of Jesus’ authority in our lives and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation as we prepare for His coming.
Thoughts for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
In the Gospel reading for Monday of the Second Week of Advent, Luke 5:17-26, we encounter the powerful story of the healing of the paralytic man, brought to Jesus by his friends. This passage is a vivid illustration of faith, community, and transformation, themes that resonate deeply during Advent.
The faith of the paralytic’s friends is striking; they believe so strongly in Jesus’ power to heal that they overcome significant obstacles, even lowering their friend through the roof. Their actions symbolize the Advent journey, marked by a deep trust in God's ability to bring about change and renewal. As we prepare for the coming of Christ, we are reminded of the importance of having faith, not only for our personal transformation but also in our efforts to support and carry others in their times of need. We also need to be thankful for those who have supported and carried us.
Jesus’ response to this act of faith is twofold: He first forgives the man’s sins and then heals his physical ailment. This sequence highlights a fundamental Christian truth that spiritual healing is paramount, and often precedes physical healing. In the season of Advent, this message encourages a deeper examination of our spiritual lives. It's a time to seek forgiveness and reconciliation, to prioritize our relationship with God as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The forgiveness of sins is at the heart of the Christmas story, as it marks the arrival of the Savior who comes to reconcile humanity with God.
Finally, the reaction of the crowd, filled with awe and glorifying God, captures the essence of Advent as a season of wonder and praise. The miraculous healing serves as a sign of the divine authority and compassion of Jesus, stirring a sense of amazement. In our Advent journey, we are called to cultivate a similar sense of wonder as we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation. The healing of the paralytic challenges us to recognize the extraordinary ways in which God works in our lives and in the world around us. This Advent, let us be open to experiencing God’s transformative power, renewing our sense of awe and inspiring us to glorify Him in our words and deeds.
Prayer
Jesus, I thank you for all of the family and friends who have helped me grow closer to you. They are a gift to me and I am grateful. Amen.
Homilies and Reflections for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
Word on Fire: Healing Spiritual Paralysis
Bishop Robert Barron, reflecting on the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent, makes a parallel to the spiritual paralysis many Catholics face today due to doubt, fear, anger, resentment, ignorance, or self-reproach. He emphasizes the believer's role in bringing others to Christ, akin to the friends of the paralytic who urgently sought Jesus' healing. This evangelization can be through simple acts like encouragement, explanation, forgiveness, or a caring gesture. Barron calls for a sense of urgency in addressing spiritual stagnation within the Church, encouraging believers to actively engage in helping others overcome their barriers to faith.
Frequently Asked Questions for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent
What date is Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent?
What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent?
The Mass readings for Monday December 7, 2026 are:
First Reading - Isaiah 35:1-10: Isaiah's Vision of Renewal
Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 85: God's Promise of Salvation
Gospel - Luke 5:17-26: Healing and Forgiveness
What is the significance of the first reading for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent?
Isaiah's prophecy of the desert transformation and God's healing signifies the Advent themes of hope, renewal, and the revelation of God's glory. Isaiah 35:1-10 speaks to the transformative power of God’s presence, as seen in the coming of Christ, who brings strength and salvation.
How does the responsorial psalm for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent enhance the themes of these readings?
Psalm 85, with its proclamation of God's peace and the unity of kindness, truth, justice, and peace, aligns with the themes of transformation and divine nearness in Isaiah. It reflects the Advent spirit of anticipating God’s salvation and the harmonious coming together of divine virtues.
What lesson can be learned from the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent?
The story in Luke 5:17-26 of Jesus healing the paralyzed man illustrates His authority to forgive sins and perform miracles. It teaches the importance of recognizing Jesus’ divine power and the comprehensive nature of His healing, both physical and spiritual.
How can the healing of the paralyzed man in the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent be applied to Advent preparations?
The healing story in Luke 5:17-26 invites believers to reflect on their own spiritual paralysis and need for Jesus’ healing touch. It serves as a call during Advent to seek forgiveness and renewal in preparation for Christ’s coming.
What does Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees in the Gospel for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent teach us?
Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees in Luke 5:17-26 teaches the importance of recognizing and accepting Jesus' authority and mission. It challenges believers to open their hearts to the true essence of Christ’s message, beyond legalistic interpretations.
What is a common theme for a reflection or homily based on these readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent?
A reflection or homily could focus on the power of God’s presence. This theme weaves together the prophecy of renewal in Isaiah, the celebration of God’s peace in Psalm 85, and the demonstration of Jesus’ authority and healing in Luke.
How can these readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent inspire personal reflection?
These readings invite reflection on the transforming presence of God in our lives and the world. They encourage contemplation on how we respond to Jesus’ authority and embrace His healing, both spiritually and physically, during the Advent season.
What practical application can be drawn from these readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent?
The readings inspire embracing God’s transformative power and seeking His peace and justice. Practically, this means nurturing faith, being open to spiritual renewal, and actively participating in acts of kindness and justice, reflecting the spirit of Advent and the teachings of Christ.
What overarching message do these readings for Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent offer?
These readings collectively emphasize themes of transformation, healing, and the divine power of Christ. They encourage believers to embrace the hope of Christ’s coming, seeking spiritual renewal and preparing to walk the path of God's saving grace.
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