THURSDAY OF THE SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 11, 2025 |
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 11, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMASUS I, POPE | DECEMBER 11TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Damasus I | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-december-11th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 11, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-11-2025/
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Thursday of the Second Week of Advent, the Church invites us to pause and reflect on God’s nearness and unfailing care, echoed in Isaiah’s promise that the Lord Himself takes us by the hand and strengthens us, and in the Psalmist’s praise of God’s kindness and compassion toward all His works. In the Gospel, Jesus calls us to true spiritual attentiveness with the solemn reminder: “Whoever has ears ought to hear.” We also commemorate Saint Damasus I, Pope, a steadfast defender of the faith whose leadership helped preserve Sacred Scripture and strengthen the early Church. As we gather in prayer today, may the light of Advent renew our hope, deepen our trust, and prepare our hearts to hear the voice of the Lord with clarity and obedience. 🙏🏽
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
Advent is the sacred four-week season that opens the Church’s Liturgical Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.
As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.
As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, as we begin this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾
ADVENT PRAYER – SECOND WEEK: The prayer that follows is to be repeated each day of the second week. After the prayer, the oldest child lights the first and second purple candles.
LEADER: O Lord, stir up our hearts that we may prepare for Thy only begotten Son, that through His coming we may be made worthy to serve Thee with pure minds. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen. 🙏🏽
(The two candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the second week.)
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Thursday of the Second Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Thursday of the Second Week of Advent | December 11, 2025
Reading 1: Isaiah 41:13–20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 145:1 and 9, 10–11, 12–13ab
Gospel: Matthew 11:11–15
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 11:11–15
“Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist.”
“Jesus said to the crowds: ‘Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.’”
Today’s Gospel offers a profound revelation of the identity and mission of John the Baptist. Jesus not only honors him as the greatest born of women but also situates him within the grand unfolding of salvation history. John is the bridge between the old covenant and the new, the final prophet who prepares the way for Christ. Yet Jesus adds a startling truth, that even the least in the Kingdom is greater than John. This does not diminish John’s greatness; rather, it elevates the dignity of every believer who has received the grace of the Kingdom through Christ. We are reminded that greatness in God’s eyes is not measured by position or achievement, but by our openness to His grace and our willingness to follow Christ in humility and faith.
Jesus’ words about the Kingdom “suffering violence” invite us to reflect on the spiritual intensity required to embrace God’s reign. It is not a passive journey but one that demands intentionality, courage, and perseverance. The “violent” are those who forcefully resist sin, distractions, and spiritual complacency, those who pursue God with conviction. Advent calls us to this holy determination: to desire God above all things, to uproot whatever hinders our relationship with Him, and to actively prepare room in our hearts for Christ’s coming. Through John the Baptist, Jesus reminds us that the Kingdom is near, but it must be received with readiness, urgency, and spiritual strength. “Whoever has ears ought to hear” echoes as a gentle but serious invitation: open your heart, listen deeply, and allow the Word to shape your life.
In the First Reading, Isaiah reveals God as our Helper, Redeemer, and Strength. The Lord reassures His people with tender words: “Fear not, I will help you.” These words echo powerfully across the ages into our own lives. God promises not only assistance but transformation, turning the weak into instruments of His power, bringing life to barren places, and renewing what seems hopeless. The imagery of rivers flowing in desert places and trees blossoming in wastelands symbolizes the restoration and miracles God desires to work within us. Advent is not just a season of waiting; it is a season of divine intervention, where God enters the dry places of our hearts and brings forth new life.
The Responsorial Psalm continues this theme of God’s mercy, proclaiming: “The Lord is gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.” The psalm calls the whole creation to announce the splendor of God’s Kingdom, a Kingdom marked not by force or fear, but by compassion, goodness, and everlasting faithfulness. God’s dominion endures through all generations, reminding us that His promises do not fade and His love does not weaken. Advent invites us to bless the Lord with our whole soul, recognizing His blessings and trusting in His faithful care.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to ask ourselves: Am I spiritually awake and attentive to God’s voice, or have I grown dull to His call? Do I pursue the Kingdom of God with conviction, resisting the distractions and temptations that weaken my relationship with Christ? Do I allow God to transform the dry or barren areas of my life, trusting His promise to renew and restore me? Am I open to learning from the humility and courage of John the Baptist, preparing my heart with sincerity for the coming of the Lord? As we continue our Advent journey, may these readings strengthen our resolve to seek God wholeheartedly and to allow His grace to shape our hearts. The God who says “Fear not, I will help you” is the same God who calls us into the beauty and power of His Kingdom. May God in His infinite grace and abundant mercy grant us the grace to remain steadfast in faith and faithful in our pursuit of His Kingdom. 🙏🏽
Lord Jesus, Eternal Word and Light of the world, open my ears to hear Your voice and my heart to receive Your Kingdom with courage and humility. Strengthen me to resist all that draws me away from You and renew the barren places of my soul with Your life-giving grace. Help me to walk in the spirit of John the Baptist, faithful, courageous, and ready to welcome You with a sincere heart. In this holy season of Advent, deepen my longing for You and make me steadfast in hope, trust, and love. Amen. 🙏🏾
MEMORIAL OF SAINT DAMASUS I, POPE – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 11TH: Today, the Church joyfully celebrates the Memorial of Saint Damasus I, Pope (Patron of Archaeologists and those suffering from fever). A courageous defender of the faith, a lover of Sacred Scripture, and a steadfast shepherd during turbulent times, he guided the Church with wisdom, firmness, and deep devotion. As we honor him today, we pray that his intercession strengthens our love for the Word of God, deepens our commitment to truth, and renews our hope as we journey through the holy season of Advent, preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. 🙏🏾
Saint of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 11th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
( Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Damasus I | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-december-11th/)
SAINT DAMASUS I, POPE: Saint Damasus I (306–384 A.D.), the 37th Bishop of Rome, shepherded the Church during a defining and often tumultuous era in Christian history. Born into a devout Christian family in Rome, he grew up serving in the Church of Saint Lawrence, where his father was a priest. Known for his deep knowledge of Scripture and unwavering commitment to orthodoxy, Damasus became pope in 366 A.D. amid political conflict, even facing a violent uprising sparked by a rival claimant to the papacy. Supported by the Roman emperor, Damasus was recognized as the rightful pontiff, and he dedicated his reign to restoring unity and strengthening the Church.
One of his greatest contributions was commissioning his secretary, Saint Jerome, to produce the Latin Vulgate, the authoritative Latin translation of the Bible that shaped Western Christianity for centuries. He convened the Council of Rome (382 A.D.), which helped clarify the canon of Sacred Scripture. Throughout his pontificate, Damasus defended the Church against heresies, affirmed the primacy of the Holy See, and fostered devotion to the martyrs by restoring and preserving the Roman catacombs. He also encouraged the liturgical practice of adding the Glory Be to the Psalms, a tradition that continues today. Remembered as a pastor, scholar, and reformer, Saint Damasus died on December 11, 384, after 18 years as pope. His relics are venerated in the Basilica of Saint Lawrence in Damaso. Today, he is honored as the Patron Saint of Archaeologists for his work preserving Christian heritage.
PRAYER: O God, who strengthened Saint Damasus with zeal for Your Word and deep love for the martyrs, grant that we may imitate his devotion to truth and his courage in defending the faith. Through his intercession, may we grow in holiness and fidelity to Your Church. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Damasus I ~ Pray for us. 🙏🏾
SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
Watch “HOLY MASS PRESIDED BY POPE LEO XIV IN TURKEY | LIVE FROM ISTANBUL VOLKSWAGEN ARENA | VIGIL OF THE 1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT | November 29, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-november-30-2025/
POPE LEO XIV ON HIS FIRST FOREIGN TRIP AS PONTIFF TO TURKEY AND LEBANON | TRIP BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/pope-leo-xivs-on-his-first-foreign-trip-as-pontiff/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.
This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.
In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we honor Saint Damasus I, Pope, we lift our hearts to God with deep trust, inspired by His promise in today’s readings through the prophet Isaiah: “I am the Lord, your God, who grasp your right hand. Fear not, I will help you,” We pray for the grace to recognize His presence in every trial, and for the strength to persevere with courage and hope. We pray for the Church, that through the intercession of Saint Damasus, she may remain steadfast in truth, unity, and faithfulness to the Word of God. We remember all who feel weak, afraid, or abandoned, asking that the Lord renew their strength like the flourishing springs He promises through Isaiah. We pray for world peace, especially in regions torn by violence and division. We also pray for travelers, the sick, the poor, and all facing what seems impossible, may God turn barrenness into abundance in their lives. Through Saint Damasus’s example of defending Scripture and guiding the Church wisely, may we grow in love for God’s Word and courageously live our faith.
LET US PRAY:
My most glorious Lord, the gift of Your grace is all I need to achieve the greatness to which You call me. Please pour forth that grace in abundance, and help me to respond to Your invitation to repent of my sin so that I may become a more active member of Your glorious Kingdom of Heaven on Earth and ultimately in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
O God, who strengthened Saint Damasus I with unwavering zeal for Your Church and deep love for Sacred Scripture, grant that as we reflect on Your Word today, our hearts may be renewed in trust, courage, and steadfast faith. Grasp us by the hand, Lord, and lead us through every fear, trial, and uncertainty, reminding us that You are always near. May Your light rise in every troubled heart, and may Your peace rest gently upon every home. And just as Jesus teaches, “Whoever has ears ought to hear,” open our ears to truly listen, our minds to discern Your will, and our hearts to follow You faithfully. Through the intercession of Saint Damasus, anchor us in truth, guide our steps in holiness, and fill our lives with the joy of Your saving presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, and Saint Damasus I ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this Thursday of the Second Week of Advent, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we begin the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Thursday, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/