Understanding the Day
Season
Advent
Week
Week 2 of Advent
Rank
Second-class feast
The rank “Greater Sunday of the II Class” indicates this is one of the principal Sundays of Advent. There is no octave or vigil attached to this celebration beyond the ordinary Advent observance.
Its readings and prayers invite reflection on repentance, the voice that prepares the way, and the hope of salvation—helpful themes for shared prayer and conversation at home.
Introit (Daily Prayer)
People of Sion, behold the Lord shall come to save the nations; and the Lord shall make the glory of His voice to be heard, in the joy of your heart.
Ps 79:2
O Shepherd of Israel, hearken, O Guide of the flock of Joseph!
Glory Be to the Father…
Who livest…
Weekly Prayer
Weekly prayer content will appear here once it is scheduled.
Weekly Formation
Willful Murder
Sins Crying to Heaven
Willful murder
Willful murder is the deliberate and unjust taking of innocent human life. Scripture describes innocent blood as crying to God because the act attacks a person made in His image and commits an injustice that the victim can no longer answer on earth.
The Ten Commandments
Thou shalt not kill.
The Fifth Commandment protects human life because every person is made by God and belongs ultimately to Him. It forbids unjust killing and deliberate injury, and it also condemns hatred, revenge, and conduct that recklessly endangers oneself or another.
Saint & Feast
Sunday 2 of Advent
A biography or feast reflection has not yet been prepared.
Nicholas
St. Nicholas, Bishop and Confessor
4th-century Christian bishop and saint
- Born
- 0250-00-00 · Patara
- Died
- 0350-00-00 · Myra
Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of Greek descent from the maritime city of Patara in Anatolia during the time of the Roman Empire. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nicholas the Wonderworker. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, brewers, pawnbrokers, toymakers, unmarried people, and students in various cities and countries around Europe. His reputation evolved among the pious, as was common for early Christian saints, and his legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the folklore of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas.
Today in Church History
Pope Innocent VIII Issues Summis desiderantes affectibus
1484DoctrineOn December 6, 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued the papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, which addressed the issue of witchcraft and authorized the Inquisition to prosecute witches.
This event reminds us of the complexities and challenges the Church has faced in discerning truth and justice.
Death of Saint Nicholas of Myra
343Church FatherSaint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, known for his generosity and miracles, died on December 6, 343. He is one of the most venerated saints in both the Eastern and Western Churches.
Saint Nicholas's life reminds us of the power of generosity and faith in action.
Catechism
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Prayer needs both regular times and a heart that remembers God. Morning and evening prayer, grace before and after meals, the Liturgy of the Hours, Sundays centered on the Eucharist, and the feasts of the liturgical year offer helpful rhythms for family life. Christian tradition also recognizes vocal, meditative, and contemplative prayer, each calling us to composure of heart, attentiveness to God’s Word, and dwelling in his presence. As the pilgrim Church, we also ask for the intercession of the saints.