Catholic Mass Readings For Today
Each day, the Church provides us with a selection of Scripture passages that speak to our hearts, guiding us in our spiritual journey and drawing us closer to God. Whether we listen to these readings during Mass or meditate on them privately, they serve as nourishment for our souls.
The Power of Daily Scripture
The Word of God is alive and active. When we reflect on the daily Mass readings, we allow God to speak to us in our current circumstances. These readings are carefully chosen to complement the liturgical calendar, offering themes of hope, repentance, love, and faith.
Each reading, whether from the Old Testament, Psalms, Epistles, or the Gospel, carries a message that can inspire and transform our lives. They remind us that God's voice is always present, guiding us through every season of life.
How To Engage With Today's Readings
Engaging with the daily Mass readings can become a beautiful habit that deepens our faith. Here are some ways to make the most of them:
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Read and Reflect: Take a few moments to read the Scripture passages and meditate on their meaning. Ask yourself how they apply to your life today.
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Pray With The Readings: Let the words of Scripture inspire your prayer. Speak to God about what you have read and listen for His response in your heart.
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Attend Daily Mass: If possible, participating in the daily Eucharist allows you to hear the readings proclaimed and to receive the grace of the Sacrament.
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Share With Others: Discussing the readings with family or friends can provide new insights and encourage mutual spiritual growth.
Today's Gospel Reflection
The Gospel reading for today often contains the very words of Jesus. These words challenge, comfort, and guide us. Perhaps today’s Gospel speaks of mercy, reminding us to forgive others as God forgives us. Or maybe it calls us to greater faith, urging us to trust in God's providence.
By spending time with the Gospel, we allow Jesus’ teachings to shape our thoughts and actions. It is in these moments of reflection that we truly encounter Christ.
Why The Mass Readings Matter
The Catholic Church, in her wisdom, has structured the liturgical readings in a way that allows us to journey through the Bible over time. This rhythm of Scripture keeps us connected to God’s story and reminds us that we are part of something greater.
No matter what challenges or joys we face today, the Mass readings offer us a source of strength, encouragement, and wisdom. They remind us that God’s Word is a light for our path and that He is always with us.
As you read and meditate on today’s readings, may your heart be open to the voice of God, and may His words bring you peace and inspiration.
Liturgical Calendar
Today: Third Sunday of Advent
Solemnity
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10
Reading 2 :
James 5:7-10
Alleluia :
Isaiah 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18)
Gospel :
Matthew 11:2-11
Liturgical vestments: Purple
Catholic mass readings for December 14, 2025: Third Sunday of Advent
Reading 1
Isaiah 35:1-6a, 10
The desert and the parched land will exult;
the steppe will rejoice and bloom.
They will bloom with abundant flowers,
and rejoice with joyful song.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to them,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the LORD,
the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the hands that are feeble,
make firm the knees that are weak,
say to those whose hearts are frightened:
Be strong, fear not!
Here is your God,
he comes with vindication;
with divine recompense
he comes to save you.
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
the ears of the deaf be cleared;
then will the lame leap like a stag,
then the tongue of the mute will sing.
Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return
and enter Zion singing,
crowned with everlasting joy;
they will meet with joy and gladness,
sorrow and mourning will flee.
Be patient, brothers and sisters,
until the coming of the Lord.
See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,
being patient with it
until it receives the early and the late rains.
You too must be patient.
Make your hearts firm,
because the coming of the Lord is at hand.
Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another,
that you may not be judged.
Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers and sisters,
the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
Alleluia
Isaiah 61:1 (cited in Lk 4:18)
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ,
he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question,
"Are you the one who is to come,
or should we look for another?"
Jesus said to them in reply,
"Go and tell John what you hear and see:
the blind regain their sight,
the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed,
the deaf hear,
the dead are raised,
and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.
And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
As they were going off,
Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John,
"What did you go out to the desert to see?
A reed swayed by the wind?
Then what did you go out to see?
Someone dressed in fine clothing?
Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces.
Then why did you go out? To see a prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is the one about whom it is written:
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you;
he will prepare your way before you.
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."
Reflection
“John is the voice that lasts for a time. And the question came: Who are you, then? He replied: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord. What does prepare the way mean, if not ‘be humble in your thoughts’?.” (Saint Augustine)
“On this Sunday, the Church, looks forward to the joy of Christmas, and that is why it is called ‘Gaudete Sunday’. And the joy of Christmas is a special joy. It is a serene and tranquil joy, a joy that forever accompanies the Christian. Even in difficult moments. When he is a true Christian, the Christian never loses his Peace.” (Francis)
“‘Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying: ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe in the gospel’’ (Mk 1:14-15). ‘To carry out the will of the Father Christ inaugurated the kingdom of heaven on earth’. Now the Father's will is ‘to raise up men to share in his own divine life’. He does this by gathering men around his Son Jesus Christ. This gathering is the Church.” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 541)
Saint of the Day
Saint John of the Cross was a 16th century Spanish theologian and mystic. Together with Saint Teresa of Jesus, he reformed the Carmelite Order. He was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius XI in 1926 and, traditionally, is nicknamed the "Mystic Doctor". His feast-day falls on December 14th.
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Your Daily Verse
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt5.3)