Sunday Mass Companion
Prepare a straight path
Second Sunday of Advent · December 6, 2026 · Mark 1:1–8
Gospel · Mark 1:1–8
Prepare a straight path
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness calling people to repentance and preparing the Lord’s way. He points beyond himself to the one who will come with the Holy Spirit.
Bring it into ordinary life
Repentance is more than feeling bad, and it is not a performance of shame. It is a turn toward God that changes the path beneath our feet. During Advent, look for one obstacle that makes love harder in your household: an apology delayed, a responsibility avoided or a pattern of speaking that closes another person down. Name it without excuses, then choose one repair you can begin. We do not prepare Christ’s way by making ourselves look perfect. We prepare it by letting grace make our next step more honest and open.
With younger children
What could we clear away to make a path ready for someone we love?
With older children
What is the difference between regretting a mistake and changing direction?
One action this week
Let the Gospel take shape
Choose one strained relationship or neglected responsibility, make one honest repair and name the habit that will help it continue.
Pray together
Jesus, come close to us. Show us what blocks the way of love, give us courage to repair it and fill our home with Your Holy Spirit. Amen.
An original prayer for personal and family use.
All of this Sunday’s reading references
- Isaiah 40:1–5, 9–11
- Psalm 85:9–14
- 2 Peter 3:8–14
- Mark 1:1–8
Read these passages in your Bible before Mass. On Sunday, our companion site also offers the day’s readings for personal prayer.
Today’s readings on Life of the SaintsThe companion uses the World English Bible, whose wording differs from the approved U.S. Mass lectionary.
Sources & reading notes
Original reflection by Life of a Catholic. Scripture references follow the U.S. Roman Catholic calendar; local celebrations may differ.
USCCB: reading reference (opens in a new tab)↗