Second Sunday of Advent

by Fr. John Granato  |  12/07/2025  |  Words from Fr. John

My Dear Friends,

This Second Sunday of Advent we are introduced to St. John the Baptist and his fiery preaching. Talk about hellfire and damnation !! Brood of vipers !! Bad fruit being cut down !! Chaff will burn in unquenchable fire !! The coming wrath !! And his first words of this gospel, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" Advent is about preparation, and St. John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord.

Advent is also meant to be a season of repentance, similar to Lent. The purple color of vestments signifies penance, preparation and sacrifice. Purple is also used for the Sacrament of Confession as well as exorcisms. Of course, Catholics are called to repent every day, not just in the season of Lent and Advent. Repent means to change direction, and we are called to change the direction away from God and move back towards God.

When we sin, we move away from God; when we do righteous deeds and live virtuous lives, we move towards God. Advent is a time to prepare to meet the Lord in prayer, in the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, in Sacred Scripture, and in the poor. Advent and Christmas is also a good time to set aside differences and treat each other with love and kindness.

God bless!