DECEMBER 9 SUNDAY SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Bar 5:1-9/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6 (6)

10 Monday Advent
Is 35:1-10/Lk 5:17-26 (181)

11 Tuesday Advent
[Saint Damasus I, Pope]
Is 40:1-11/Mt 18:12-14 (182)

12 Wednesday USA: Our Lady of Guadalupe
Feast
Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab/Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47 (690A), or any readings from the Lectionary for Mass (vol. IV), the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712

13 Thursday Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr
Memorial
Is 41:13-20/Mt 11:11-15 (184)

14 Friday Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Memorial
Is 48:17-19/Mt 11:16-19 (185)

15 Saturday Advent
Sir 48:1-4, 9-11/Mt 17:9a, 10-13 (186)

To reach God’s holy mountain there’s a journey to make, Isaiah says, but guides will show the way. “Behold, I send my messenger ahead of you, to prepare your way.” Mark 1, 1. John the Baptist appears in the desert promising forgiveness to those washing in the waters of the Jordan River. We have been baptized in the waters of baptism.

The Old Testament readings this Advent week, mostly from Isaiah, describe a desert journey, but the desert will bloom and a highway will be there, the prophet promises. (Monday) God will speak tender, comforting words to his people on the way. (Tuesday) Those who hope in him will renew their strength, soaring on eagle’s wings. (Wednesday) Though we are as insignificant as a worm, God holds us in his hands and says:“Fear not; I am with you.” (Thursday) God is our teacher and shows us the way to go. (Friday) On the way, prophets like Elijah accompany us. (Saturday)

Jesus is our way, the gospel readings say. He healed and forgave the paralyzed man– symbol of a paralyzed humanity– who was lowered through the roof into the house in Capernaum. (Monday) Like a good shepherd he searches for and finds the stray sheep. (Tuesday) “Come to me all who are weary, ” he says. (Wednesday) He sends us prophets and guides like John the Baptist and Elijah.( Thursday) Though rejected like John the Baptist, Jesus still teaches. (Friday)

He will save us, even though unrecognized like John and Elijah. (Saturday)