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: Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr
Feast
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Alleluia :
Psalm 118:26a, 27a
Gospel :
Matthew 10:17-22
Liturgical vestments: Red
Catholic mass readings for December 26, 2025: Feast of Saint Stephen, First Martyr
Reading 1
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59
Stephen, filled with grace and power,
was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,
Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,
and people from Cilicia and Asia,
came forward and debated with Stephen,
but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.
When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and he said,
"Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God."
But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,
and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Alleluia
Psalm 118:26a, 27a
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD:
the LORD is God and has given us light.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved."
Reflection
"Stephen, Strengthened by the power of his love, he overcame the raging cruelty of Saul and won his persecutor on earth as his companion in heaven" (Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe)
"If not all are called, like St Stephen, to shed their blood, each Christian is, however, asked to be consistent in every circumstance with the faith that he or she professes" (Francis)
“Since Abraham, intercession - asking on behalf of another has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God's mercy… In intercession, he who prays looks "not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others," even to the point of praying for those who do him harm (Acts 7:60).” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 2,635)
Saint of the Day
Saint Stephen is known as the “Proto-Martyr,” insofar as he was the first of the early disciples to shed his blood for Christ. The account of his martyrdom by stoning is related in the Acts of the Apostles. Because of the manner of his death, he is recognized as patron of stoneworkers and masons.
Read all...
View all...Dionysius was Pope from 259 to 268. He helped the Christian faithful during the persecution of Emperor Valerian, helped the poor, redeemed prisoners, and sent money to communities far from Rome. In the theological controversies of the time, he strongly defended the unity and trinity of God.
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Your Daily Verse
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt5.3)