The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C tell us to hopefully look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. God has planned this since the beginning of time. In the first reading we hear that God will gather his family back together. In the second reading Paul reassures us that God will complete the great work he has begun. And in the gospel, we hear about John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus.
Daily Mass Readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C
- First Reading – Baruch 5:1-9: "Up, Jerusalem! stand upon the heights; look to the east and see your children gathered from the east and the west at the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that they are remembered by God."
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 126; "The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."
- Second Reading – Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11: "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."
- Gospel - Luke 3:1-6: "John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah"
Themes for the Gospel
- Gathering
- Family
- Salvation history
- Patience
- Baptism
See some extended themes at the bottom of this post.
Resources for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C
Cry Out – A Lesson Plan
This lesson plan on St. John the Baptist focuses on the Gospel for this Sunday and how we need to boldly prepare the way for those around us to encounter Jesus.
Litany of St. John the Baptist
This prayer asks for the intercession of this saint through his many titles and roles.
Prayer when My Dreams Come True
This prayer of joy and thanksgiving is based on Psalm 126, which is the responsorial psalm for this Sunday.
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
You are free to share with a reference to young-catholics.com . Click on the image to download full size.
Have a Prayer Service While Hanging a Wreath
Use this little prayer service when you hang your wreath on your door or in your home or classroom.
Put Up the Tree and Do a Christmas Tree Blessing
This Christmas tree blessing will help kids connect the traditions of the season with the Incarnation.
Surprise a Neighbor
One way to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord is to do a loving act of service. Do an act of kindness for a neighbor.
Homilies and Reflections
The Road Home
Scott Hahn reflects on the connection between Psalm 126 and John the Baptist.
Joyful Expectation
In this homily, Fr Donald Reilly explains that the most important people in our worlds are those we hold in our hearts.
Other Themes
We all have mountains and valleys in our lives. These are obstacles which make it difficult for us to return to the Lord. It could be a mountain like pride or a valley like comfort. Either way, we need to remove anything which hinders our journey this Advent.
John the Baptist was popular because so many people were overcome by the problems in their world. He pointed to a different way. He told people that change was coming and that they should get ready. This was not a passive waiting though. They would need to change themselves and get rid of anything which stood in the way. His baptism was an invitation to get rid of the old way to be ready for the new.
John is a prophet. At our own baptisms, we were anointed priest, prophet, and king. John told the people that God was at work. We are also called to do this. In our words and actions, those around us should sense the presence of something bigger than ourselves. Our lives should inspire those we meet to encounter Jesus. But we might have some of our own hills and valleys which are preventing this.
Reflection Questions
- What are the hills in my life, the obstacles which are getting in the way of my spiritual journey?
- What are the valleys, the places where I am too comfortable which hinder me from moving?
- How can I be a prophet like John, pointing people to Jesus?
- Where are the places in our world which need renewal where I can have influence?
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