The Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent

There shall be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars, and in the earth: the people shall be at their wits' end through despair. The sea and the water shall roar, and men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of heaven shall move, and then shall they see the Son of Man come in a cloud with power, and great glory. When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near. And he showed them a similitude saying: behold the fig tree, and all other trees. When they shoot forth their buds, you see and know of yourselves that summer is then near at hand. So likewise you also, when you see these things come to pass, be sure that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation shall not pass, until all be fulfilled: heaven and earth shall pass, but my word shall not pass.