2nd Sunday of Advent

On the 2nd Sunday of Advent, we hear John the Baptist’s urgent call to repentance. His words remind us that now is the time to change our hearts and seek God’s help. This call is not just for the people of the past but for us today. As we look forward to celebrating the coming of Jesus, we remember that God’s plan for our salvation has been in place from the start. Are we truly ready to let go of complacency and allow Christ to transform our lives? Let us prepare our hearts for His coming this Advent.

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.

More About Lectionary Cycles

Learn more about the difference between a Bible and a Lectionary, how the Lectionary is arranged, and translations of the Bible used at Mass.

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