2nd Sunday of Advent - Year A - Keep a Watchful Eye & ‘Seven Songs for Mary’

During Advent, the Church brings us back in time to the centuries before the coming of Christ – the readings allow us to identify with the sentiments, longings and hopes of the people of the Old Testament who awaited the Messiah. We see how God was at work in their lives, leading them to the truth about their relationship with Him and each other.

The Gospel this Sunday (Mt. 3:1-12) invites us to prepare a way for the Lord in the wilderness of our lives – or perhaps better to allow God to prepare a way in our hearts for His coming. We may ask ourselves for whom or what are we preparing; who or what are we expecting? As always, the scripture readings are our best teachers. During Advent, these focus on what God would like to find when He comes. An ancient Advent prayer stands out – it prays that when the Lord knocks may he “…find us watchful in prayer and exultant in his praise.” I take it to mean not so much that we must multiply our prayers but that we be alert to His Presence with us moment by moment and respond with clarity and joy to whatever He may ask – as Mary responded with her fiat and Magnificat.

Advent reminds us that we are on a journey and that the Lord will come to each of us personally at our journey’s end. We have come from the hand of God – he loved us and called us into being – each one is personally known and loved and we journey through life until the moment when He calls us back to Himself. Advent strengthens our hope that He will come - and invites us to be ready and on the watch. If we learn to recognize His coming at each moment, then when He finally comes for us, we will recognize Him and surrender to His embrace.

In conclusion, the Entrance antiphon of our liturgy this Sunday, expresses beautifully: “People of Sion the Lord will come to save all nations and your heart will exult to hear his majestic voice, the people of God will sing songs of joy like songs in the night. They will have gladness of heart … On every high mountain streams will flow and there will be joy, for you are loved by the Lord.”

In honor of the upcoming Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, we would like to share our latest compilation video, “Seven Songs for Mary”, a gentle, prayerful collection of beloved Catholic Marian hymns sung by the Sunday 7pm Choir. Each song reflects a different facet of Mary’s vocation as Mother of God, disciple, and Queen of Heaven, inviting listeners to contemplate her faith, humility, and maternal care for the Church.

This collection is ideal for praying the Rosary, Marian feast days, May and October devotions, or moments of quiet reflection at home or in church. From joyful processional hymns like “Immaculate Mary” to traditional prayers such as “Salve Regina” and “O Sanctissima,” these seven songs help draw hearts closer to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Video can be watched by clicking here or by clicking on the thumbnail below.