2nd Sunday of Advent

The Second Sunday of Advent focuses on preparing our hearts for Jesus. All three years highlight the call to repentance. Isaiah speaks of a voice in the wilderness. John the Baptist fulfills this, calling people to turn from sin and be ready for the Lord. He reminds us that real change comes from a humble and honest heart.

This Sunday also speaks of hope. God’s promises are near. The readings show that Jesus brings peace, justice, and healing. Paul encourages believers to live in harmony. Isaiah shows a future of peace under the Messiah. In every year, the message is clear: get ready, turn to God, and trust in His plan.

Click on the appropriate year below to see resources, themes, homilies, and more. See how to determine the correct year.

2nd Sunday of Advent Year A
2nd Sunday of Advent Year B
2nd Sunday of Advent Year C

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year A

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year A readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 11:1-10: The branch from Jesse brings justice and peace, uniting the world under God’s spirit. Nature is restored, and the earth is filled with the knowledge of the Lord.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 72: The king will rule with justice and fairness, bringing lasting peace. He will help the poor and needy. His name will be blessed forever, and all nations will find joy in him.
• Second Reading – Romans 15:4-9: The Scriptures teach us endurance and hope. God helps us to live in harmony and glorify Him together. Christ serves Jews and Gentiles, confirming God’s promises and mercy.
• Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12: John the Baptist preached repentance in Judea. He baptized many in the Jordan, warning Pharisees and Sadducees to produce good fruit. He announced one mightier who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B readings here.

• First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: God commands comfort for His people, declaring the end of Jerusalem’s suffering and preparing a way in the wilderness. His glory will be revealed, and He will shepherd His flock with care and strength.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 80: The Lord promises peace and salvation to those who fear Him. His kindness, truth, justice, and peace will unite, bringing blessings and abundance to the land.
• Second Reading – 2 Peter 3:8-14: With the Lord, time is unlike ours; His patience is for our repentance. The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, leading to a new creation where righteousness dwells. Live in holiness and peace as we await this day.
• Gospel – Mark 1:1-8: Mark’s Gospel begins with the prophecy of John the Baptist, who heralded Jesus’ coming. Dressed in camel’s hair and subsisting on locusts and wild honey, John baptized many in the Jordan River, preaching repentance and forgiveness. He spoke of one greater than himself who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, not just water, setting the stage for Jesus’ ministry.

Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C

See resources, homilies, and more for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C readings here.

• First Reading – Baruch 5:1-9: Jerusalem, take off your mourning and wear God’s eternal glory. God will reveal your splendor to the world, gather your children, and lead Israel with joy, mercy, and justice.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 126; When the Lord restored Zion, we were overjoyed. Nations acknowledged God’s great deeds for us. We pray for renewed fortunes and rejoice, knowing that sorrow will turn to joy.
• Second Reading – Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11: I joyfully pray for you, confident that God will complete His work in you. I pray your love grows in knowledge, so you can discern what is best and be righteous in Christ.
• Gospel – Luke 3:1-6: During Tiberius Caesar’s reign, God’s word came to John in the desert. He preached repentance and forgiveness, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy to prepare the way for the Lord and reveal God’s salvation.

Lookup Other Liturgical Dates in the Lectionary

The Bible contains all the books of Scripture. The Lectionary is a book used at Mass that includes selected Bible passages. These readings are chosen to match the Church calendar. They help us focus on key parts of the faith during each season, like Advent or Lent. The Lectionary does not include the whole Bible, only the parts read during Mass.

The Lectionary is arranged in cycles. Sundays follow a three-year cycle: A, B, and C. Each year focuses on a different Gospel. Weekdays follow a two-year cycle, called Year I and Year II. The Gospel of John is often used in special seasons. On the 2nd Sunday of Advent, the readings help us prepare for Christ’s coming. In the United States, the New American Bible is used at Mass. This helps keep the readings consistent and easy to understand for everyone in the pews.

How to Determine the Liturgical Year

The liturgical cycle is a three-year sequence of A, B, and C.

• 2024 is Year B
• 2025 is Year C
• 2026 is Year A
• 2027 is Year B
• 2028 is Year C
• 2029 is Year A
• 2030 is Year B
• 2031 is Year C
• … and so on

The 2nd Sunday of Advent is about getting ready. In all three years, we hear a call to change our ways and turn back to God. John the Baptist is a key figure. He tells people to prepare for someone greater who is coming. That someone is Jesus.

Isaiah also speaks about a voice calling in the wilderness. He talks about peace and hope. These readings remind us that God keeps His promises. We are not alone. Jesus brings peace, healing, and truth.

Paul tells the early Christians to live in unity. He wants people to live in hope and work together. This message is for us too. Advent is not just about waiting. It is about changing and growing.

The 2nd Sunday of Advent invites us to prepare. Not just for Christmas, but for Jesus to come into our lives more fully. We are called to repent, believe, and live with hope.

The 2nd Sunday of Advent asks us to pause and think. What needs to change in your life? What might God be saying to you through the readings?

Read the Scriptures for this Sunday. Think about how they speak to your life. Then share your thoughts or your own experience in the comment section. Others may be helped by what you share.