Mass Readings for Tuesday, 21 October 2025 (Ordinary Time)

 

📖 The Readings

1. First Reading: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21 — “Just as through one man sin entered into the world… yet much more the grace of God has abounded.” Catholic Gallery+2Catholic Daily Readings+2

2. Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17 — “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” Catholic Gallery+1

3. Gospel: Luke 12:35-38 — “Gird your loins and light your lamps … ready to open immediately when the master comes and knocks.” USCCB+2Catholic Gallery+2

🧠 Simple Explanation

First Reading (Romans):
Paul reminds us that sin (and death) entered the world because of one man (Adam), but through one man (Christ) the gift of grace and justification has come to all. Sin reigned once, but grace now reigns through righteousness. Catholic Gallery+1
In short: we were in trouble, Christ came with rescue.

Responsorial Psalm:
The Psalm echoes a heart-response: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” It’s about readiness, willingness, and submission to God’s will. Catholic Gallery

Gospel (Luke):
Jesus uses the image of servants waiting for their master’s return, lamps lit, belts fastened (which in ancient times means being ready to serve/wait). If the master comes at midnight or in the early watches and finds them prepared, they are blessed. It’s about vigilance, readiness, being alert. Catholic Daily Readings+2USCCB+2
In other words: don’t be half-asleep when the Master knocks — keep your lamps lit!

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🌏 Application – for Singapore & Catechumens (with a little humour)

• In Singapore terms: imagine you’re at a home stay for your auntie’s 70th birthday (very common). The auntie is the “master”, she said she’ll arrive at any time (could be 9pm or 10pm) and expects you to be ready. If you’re still watching Netflix, a bit messy, and haven’t put out the snacks, you’ll look embarrassed when she arrives. But if you’ve got the snacks ready, living room tidy, you’ll get the thumbs up and some extra pineapple tarts.

• Today’s readings beckon us to be ready in our spiritual lives: our relationship with God isn’t just “on-standby”, we’re called to active readiness. That means prayer, justice, service, living God’s will.

• For catechumens: this is a perfect time to reflect on your journey of preparation. You’re lighting your lamps (learning, faith formation), girding your loins (getting ready for full membership in the Church). Stay alert, don’t wait until the last minute!

• For those in busy Singapore life: it’s easy to get distracted by MRT delays, hawker food queues, meeting deadlines. Jesus invites us to keep our lamps lit amid the hustle. Maybe short prayer in the bus or train, a moment of gratitude before a meal.

• Humorous twist: If God sent you a WhatsApp at midnight saying “I’m coming by”, would you still be in pyjamas? (Maybe yes, maybe no — but think about your spiritual readiness!)

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🙏 Reflection Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You entered our world to bring abundant grace and life (Romans).
Grant me a heart like the psalmist’s: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.”
Help me to keep my lamp trimmed and burning, my belt tightened, my eyes awake, so that when You knock, I open immediately.
In the Busy of life in Singapore — the MRT races, the afternoon haze, the hawker stalls calling — keep me spiritually alert, ready to serve You and my neighbour.
For catechumens preparing to enter the Church: grant them courage, clarity, and joy in their journey.
May I not be caught by surprise, but welcomed by You with, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
And when You come (whenever that may be!) may I greet You with joy, not confusion or Netflix remote still in hand.
Amen.

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🔗 Source links for your reference

• Readings list: CatholicGallery — “Daily Mass Readings for Tuesday, 21 October 2025” Catholic Gallery

• Additional reading listing: Catholic.org — “Daily Reading for Tuesday, October 21 2025” Catholic Online