3rd Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent

Isaiah 35:10 And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Last Days of Advent .

Pope John Paul II, Dec. 18, 2002

Pope John Paul II in his address on Dec. 18, 2002 said,

"The liturgy of Advent…helps us to understand fully the value and meaning of the mystery of Christmas. 

It is not just about commemorating the historical event, which occurred some 2,000 years ago in a little village of Judea. 

Instead, it is necessary to understand that the whole of our life must be an ‘advent,’ a vigilant awaiting of the final coming of Christ. 

To predispose our mind to welcome the Lord who, as we say in the Creed, one day will come to judge the living and the dead, we must learn to recognize him as present in the events of daily life.

Therefore, Advent is, so to speak, an intense training that directs us decisively toward him who already came, who will come, and who comes continuously."

 

• Isaiah 35:1-10 
• Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55 
• James 5:7-10 
• Matthew 11:2-11

Advent Prayer 

All-powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at His coming and call us to his side in the kingdom of heave, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.