Sunday

8 Dec 2019

Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle A Click here for all content for this cycle Second Sunday of Advent, Cycle A

SUNDAY SUMMARY

Isaiah 11:1-10  Jesse’s tree is about to bud again, and with it the hope of the ages.

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17  Justice is coming, and peace is not far behind.

Romans 15:4-9  Scripture was written down to preserve the wisdom of the holy ones.

Matthew 3:1-12  The Baptist is back, and he’s wielding the ax of God.

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The inner word

What’s in your heart?

If a shoot can sprout from Jesse’s aged stump, then hope sure does spring eternal even in circumstances we’ve given up for dead.

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Exploring the word

A tale of two axes

Everyone beyond grade school age in this country knows the story of George Washington and his ax. On one side of the scene lies the felled cherry tree and an irate parent.

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In other words

The Sunday gospel in everyday English

While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.”

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Homily stories

Life's a never-ending story

I’ve learned a lot about myself from the old house I bought a couple years ago. It was a leap of faith, taking on a 100-year-old fixer-upper by myself and on a limited budget. I think I was drawn to the project because, without fully realizing it, I had some similar interior work to do.

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Homily stories

Prepare ye

A group of friends talking about how easy it is to be hard on ourselves and others: One guy told how in high school he got caught cutting a class to smoke. The much-feared dean of discipline had called him to his office and was about to dish out just punishment when the school’s wise principal intervened. “Can I talk with this gentleman for a minute?”

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Homily stories

Consult your files

When I met Monsignor, he was well into his eighth decade. His 6-foot, 2-inch frame was now stooped by arthritis. But I had a sense of what an imposing figure he must have presented. He had been pastor of one of the largest parishes in the city. With a true gospel spirit he guided it through painful racial change, welcoming believers no matter the color of their skin.

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Prayers

Penitential Act & Prayer of the Faithful

Brought together in this holy gathering, we pray for the mercy of God.

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Quotes

Grace fills empty spaces, but it can only enter where there is a void to receive it.

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