This is the Liturgy of the Hours for December 31. Your local date is .
Second Sunday of Advent
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Second Sunday of Advent
“But according to his promise
we await new heavens and a new earth
in which righteousness dwells.
Therefore, beloved, since you await these things,
be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace,” (2 Peter 3:13-14).[1]
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. In today’s readings at Mass, we are reminded of two holy preparations; the preparation of the coming of Christ at Christmas and the preparation of the coming of our Lord on the last day. Both are highlighted in the second week, encouraging us to recognize the life that is to come. We are called to ‘stand upright’ in thoughts and deeds while we wait and as St. Paul suggests, have patient courage to live in harmony with one another. As we light today’s candle on the Advent wreath, may the love of the season fill our hearts, minds, and homes as we prepare the way. [2]
Written by Sarah Ciotti
Reviewed by Fr. Hugh Feiss, OSB, STD
[1] Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved.
[2] Adrian Nocent, OSB, The Liturgical Year: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany (Collegeville, MN: The Order of St. Benedict, Inc., 1977), 119-137.
Recent prayer requests from community members
Victoria
on December 10th, 2023 at 10:40
Repose of the souls of: Sandra Parks, Maggie Parks, Craig and Valerie Chamberlain, my deceased family members, and all who will die today unexpectantly. Pray also for those living w/o hope and are lost. For all suffering from mental illness and those bound in addictions. All Clergy;
seanmoylantd
on December 10th, 2023 at 10:16
Dear Friends plead pray that I wouldn't use anything I'm at a new parish and I stood for blessing and I was the only one. Mortified. Thank you and God bless you
Don Able
on December 10th, 2023 at 9:43
For the repose of the soul of my/our dad who went to heaven yesterday, 12/09/23, and in thanksgiving for his long and loving life as well as thanksgiving and prayers for my great niece born prematurely, now double in her weight (2lbs 8oz) as she continues to grow and develop. Praise be to God.
Phill
on December 10th, 2023 at 1:36
We pray for all those who abuse children and the victims of such horrible crimes. May those who abuse be brought to swift justice but also may they be brought to repentance to seek the Mercy of God through the holy spirit that they may be saved. In Jesus name amen!
Marie-Lou Dauharry
on December 10th, 2023 at 0:00
Lord, grant us the wisdom, insight & strength to imitate St.John the Baptist & prepare the way for others to encounter You in their lives. Inspire us to let You enter into the deepest parts of our hearts & be Your messengers of peace & joy to others. Give us the grace to follow John's footsteps.Amen
charles vaughn
on December 9th, 2023 at 23:10
Please join mee in praying for all fallen away Catholics. I pray that they will listen to the Holy Spirit that is calling them back. And to come to the understanding of what the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Penance really mean to our salvation.
Mary
on December 9th, 2023 at 16:44
For all who fall into the sin of greed and do not pay their workers fairly. May God help them to see that gifts given are meant to be shared.
seanmoylantd
on December 9th, 2023 at 15:51
Dear Family please pray for me as I practice prayer that I would be like St Teresa of Avila or Sr Wendy Beckett in single mindedness. There is nothing for me in this world but I really need your prayers. Sometimes I can feel them. They give me such hope and strength in my walk. Thank you!
Donclarte
on December 9th, 2023 at 12:36
St Juan Diego, please pray for a friend who was given 3 months left to live after a disease diagnostic. Pray for my elders who hold on to some ancestral worships, refusing Jesus. And finally, inspire me with the humility you developed through your life to draw continuously closer to God.
Donclarte
on December 9th, 2023 at 12:20
May The Lord help me gain self-control in front of social media distractions, and overeating today so I grow closer to Him. May He also help me to forgive deep past hurts from 2 specific past relationships that I am struggling to let go of. Not by my power my Lord, but by YOUR power Jesus. Amen.
Barbara Walker
on December 9th, 2023 at 11:36
Please pray for the innocents in Gaza, and all other war zones in your world Lord.
Rhonda George
on December 9th, 2023 at 10:50
Praying for all Families to have Unity with the Holy Spirit-Through Jesus our Lord. St. Juan Diego, pray for us. Holy Family, pray for us. Amen
Patrick
on December 9th, 2023 at 9:57
Today is the 4th anniversary of a traumatic event in my life. I am trying to remain faithful and hopeful that the Lord can and will show His justice and bestow true healing. The prophet Habakkuk has been comforting to me. But I need your prayers!
Mary
on December 9th, 2023 at 9:29
Sweet Jesus, you came to us as a little child, please look kindly on all who pray the Liturgy of the Hours. We offer thanks for those who bring us this avenue of prayer. Grant peace to all hearts. Amen.
seanmoylantd
on December 9th, 2023 at 4:29
Dear Fam, please pray for me that I will get back into fasting today as I took yesterday off because Immaculate Conception. I'm a one talent Christian and we all know what happened him when he was lazy. Thank you!
Marie-Lou Dauharry
on December 9th, 2023 at 0:00
Holy Spirit, stir our heart so deeply to respond to Christ's call to be His "laborers" to serve in His "harvests". Inspire us to.fulfill our unique mission to reflect Christ's love & compassion towards the rejected,sick, poor & to echoe His presence in their lives. Transform us.Guide us. Amen
mousse
on December 8th, 2023 at 21:44
Please pray for my father Cono who is suffering with cancer.
Rhonda George
on December 8th, 2023 at 19:03
Lord Jesus, Divine Mercy-all Widows and Orphans
Rhonda George
on December 8th, 2023 at 19:02
Mother of God, Immaculate Conception, pray for us. Amen
Heather Nolan
on December 8th, 2023 at 18:41
Please pray for my parents, who I am very blessed to still have. Give them both long and healthy lives
Margaret Rita
on December 8th, 2023 at 17:07
Dec. 8, 2023. On the Blessed Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, I offer thanksgiving to Our Lady and those who stood by me during my trials. I pray for employment, healing of the sick, help for the homeless & the poor, family unity, repentance, conversions, and safety for all.
Margaret Rita
on December 8th, 2023 at 16:35
Dear everyone: Happy Feast Day! Blessed Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary! Prayers are powerful - thank you all for praying and thanksgiving to almighty God for the successful thoracic surgery of Mr. C. Harris yesterday. Please continue to pray for his full recovery. God is Love!
Therese Chiara
on December 8th, 2023 at 12:39
On this Feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us commend to our gracious mother Mary all non-Catholics, no matter their religion, who denigrate her, her purity, and her role in our salvation. May the Blessed Mother gently correct their blasphemous ways and lead them, through her, to Christ.
Rhonda George
on December 8th, 2023 at 10:34
Thank you for the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION-Through Jesus our Lord. Amen
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