Readings:
Isaiah 40:1-5,9-11
Psalm 85:9-14
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
Happy Second Sunday of Advent.
The second Sunday of Advent is a reminder to prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. We need to make hay while it is still bright. The “mystery of faith” at Mass should be a constant refrain in our minds this week: “We proclaim your death, O Lord, and profess your resurrection, until you come again.” Christ will surely come again. Will you be ready when He comes? His coming will meet you in one of two states; prepared or unprepared. Those who are wise will renounce their sins, confess and repent of all their sins, and start off on a path of holiness. The foolish ones will claim they still have time, or they are busy and the Day of the Lord will surprise them like a thief.
How should we prepare for Christ’s coming?
Invite the Holy Spirit into your heart daily and ask Him to take control of all that you think about, do and say each day and it shall be well with you.
Renounce your sins, confess and repent as often as possible.
Be humble and put the good and well-being of others before yours—we must undo the selfishness of our age through our selfless and generous actions.
Console others by your life, do not become an occasion of sin for them and encourage them to stay faithful to God.
Nourish yourself daily on the Eucharist and on the words of Scriptures. Explore available spiritual growth resources and devotionals that can help you build your faith.
Be faithful to God in whatever vocation and career you are involved—by your actions, you are working out your salvation.
Renew your baptismal/confirmation promises daily—reject Satan, all his works and empty promises and hold firmly to your faith in God and His Church.
Your Christianity is not just what you do—it is your whole life, so give yourself over to Christ completely.
Live one day at a time and remember that today might be your last.
May God grant you the grace to encounter and experience his divine love and consolation today
and always through Christ our Lord. Amen.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, prepare me for Your Son’s second coming by keeping me conscious of His promise to return.
May His coming find me ready and in a state of grace, joy and peace, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
May the coming of Christ find me prepared and in a state of grace, holiness and peace. Amen.
Lord, into Your able hands, I commit this new working week, in Jesus’ name.
God bless me and all that concerns me today, and always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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