Second Sunday of Advent: Repentance and Grace...

 Second Sunday of Advent

Repentance and Grace

It was of him (St John the Baptist) that the prophet Isaiah 
had spoken when he said:  A voice of one crying in the desert, 
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. - Matthew 3: 3 

"A humble confession displeases Satan 
and, if he could, he would 
make you omit 

Holy Communion."

Thomas a Kempis, Imitation of Christ

During this holy Advent season make frequent and good confessions 
that you may receive frequent and good Holy Communions.

On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry

Advent Hymn by Charles Coffin (+1749)

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry
Announces that the Lord is nigh;
Come, then, and hearken, for he brings
Glad tidings from the King of kings.

Then cleansed by every Christian breast
And furnished for so great a Guest.
Yea, let us each our hearts prepare
For Christ to come and enter there.

For Thou art our Salvation, Lord,
Our Refuge, and our great Reward.
Without Thy grace our souls must fade
And wither like a flower decayed.

Lay on the sick Thy healing hand
And make the fallen strong to stand;
Show us the glory of Thy face
Till beauty springs in every place.

All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
Who advent sets Thy people free,
Whom, with the Father, we adore
And Holy Ghost forevermore.

______________________ 

Check out this EXCELLENT film regarding Confession: 

 https://ondemand.ewtn.com/free/Home/Play/en/381-384021

And take in this EXCELLENT article at this midpoint of Advent... 
Advent, More than Ever - The Catholic Thing