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: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading I:
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Alleluia:
Gospel:
Matthew 21:28-32
Liturgical vestments: Purple
Catholic mass readings for December 16, 2025: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent
Reading I
Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
Thus says the LORD:
Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted,
to the tyrannical city!
She hears no voice,
accepts no correction;
In the LORD she has not trusted,
to her God she has not drawn near.
For then I will change and purify
the lips of the peoples,
That they all may call upon the name of the LORD,
to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia
and as far as the recesses of the North,
they shall bring me offerings.
On that day
You need not be ashamed
of all your deeds,
your rebellious actions against me;
For then will I remove from your midst
the proud braggarts,
And you shall no longer exalt yourself
on my holy mountain.
But I will leave as a remnant in your midst
a people humble and lowly,
Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:
the remnant of Israel.
They shall do no wrong
and speak no lies;
Nor shall there be found in their mouths
a deceitful tongue;
They shall pasture and couch their flocks
with none to disturb them.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Come, O Lord, do not delay;
forgive the sins of your people.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people:
“What is your opinion?
A man had two sons.
He came to the first and said,
‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’
The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’
but afterwards he changed his mind and went.
The man came to the other son and gave the same order.
He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go.
Which of the two did his father’s will?”
They answered, “The first.”
Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you,
tax collectors and prostitutes
are entering the Kingdom of God before you.
When John came to you in the way of righteousness,
you did not believe him;
but tax collectors and prostitutes did.
Yet even when you saw that,
you did not later change your minds and believe him.”
Reflection
“When there is sin in a man, such a man cannot behold God. But, if you will, you may be healed. But before all let faith and the fear of God have rule in thy heart.” (St. Theophilus of Antioch)
“‘Lord, these are my sins, they aren’t this man’s or that woman’s.... They’re mine. You take them’. When we are able to do this, then we will be that beautiful people, the humble and poor people, who trust in the name of the Lord.” (Francis)
“Jesus scandalized the Pharisees by eating with tax collectors and sinners as familiarly as with themselves. Against those among them ‘who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others’ (Lk 18:9), Jesus affirmed: ‘I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance’ (Lk 5:32). He went further by proclaiming before the Pharisees that, since sin is universal, those who pretend not to need salvation are blind to themselves” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 588)
Saint of the Day
God chose him as king of Israel, despite his being the youngest of the sons of Jesse: God does not look at the appearance but at the heart of man. A warrior and poet, David was also a great sinner, but recognized his faults and asked forgiveness. Our Lord Jesus Christ is born of David’s line.
Born in 931, Adelaide was the daughter of King Rudolph of Burgundy. She married the Holy Roman Emperor, Otto the Great. Attentive to the poor, she also built churches and monasteries. She retired to a Benedictine monastery, and died in 999.
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Your Daily Verse
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mt5.3)