Mass readings for Monday, 17 November 2025 (Memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary, Religious)

 

📖 Readings

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63

“From these there arose a wicked offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes …” Catholic Online+1
(This passage describes how part of Israel abandoned the covenant, allied with the pagan Greeks, built a gymnasium in Jerusalem and violated the covenant law.) Catholic Gallery+1


 

 

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 119:53, 61, 134, 150, 155, 158
(A selection of verses from the great psalm on the Word of God, the Law, the suffering of the just and the faithfulness of God’s Word.)

 

Alleluia: Gospel of John 8:12
“I am the light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows me will have the light of life.”

 

Gospel: Gospel of Luke 18:35-43
“As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; … Jesus stopped and ordered him to be brought to him. … Then Jesus said, ‘Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.’” catholicidentity.bne.catholic.edu.au
Source links:

🙏 Opening Prayer

Almighty ever-living God, who gave strength to your servant St Elizabeth of Hungary to seek you in service to the poor and to live in the riches of your grace, grant that, inspired by her example and aided by your merciful love, we may devote our hearts to you and labour for the good of our neighbours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

📘 Explanation of the Readings

First Reading (1 Maccabees): This Old Testament passage recounts how some in Israel abandoned their covenant with God and aligned themselves with the customs of the surrounding pagan nations, discarding the law of the Lord. It offers a stark warning about allowing external pressures and cultural assimilation to erode one’s fidelity to the covenant.
It also implicitly honours the faithful minority who refused to capitulate—just as St Elizabeth later lived faithfully in her vocation.

Psalm 119 selection: These verses highlight key themes:

  • Verse 53: “When I see the wicked forsaking your law, I am filled with wrath.” It expresses a scandal at seeing God’s ways ignored. StudyLight.org+1

  • Verse 61: “Though the cords of the wicked entangle me, I do not forget your law.” It affirms fidelity in spite of opposition. BibleRef.com

  • Verses 134, 150, 155, 158: These continue the theme of clinging to God’s statutes, asking for deliverance, lamenting that the wicked ignore the law, etc. Together they invite the faithful to remain anchored in God’s word regardless of external pressures.
    A commentary notes: “The emphasis … is on the vital ministry of the Word of God in the inner spiritual life of God’s children.” Bible Gateway

Gospel (Luke 18:35-43): We meet the blind beggar at Jericho who hears Jesus is passing by. Despite the crowd telling him to be silent, he shouts out for mercy from Jesus. Jesus stops, heals him, and commends his faith: “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.”
This healing is more than physical—it signals the restoration of relationship, the opening of spiritual sight, and the mission of Jesus to bring light to darkness. Bible Gateway+1

For Catechumens:

  • The story of the blind man is particularly rich: you are preparing to see Christ more clearly, to have your faith shaped and to participate fully in the Church’s life.

  • The Psalm invites you to treasure God’s word, to hide it in your heart, so your journey into the Church won’t be just outward ritual, but an inward transformation.

  • The First Reading is a caution: choosing the world’s ways over God’s covenant leads to loss—not despairingly, but as an incentive to remain faithful even when others compromise.

🎯 Application

  1. Personal fidelity: Just as the psalmist clung to God’s statutes even when surrounded by the wicked, consider: What pressures do I experience to conform rather than to follow Christ’s way? Pray for the strength to remain faithful.

  2. Spiritual sight: The blind man cries out despite the crowd’s discouragement. As a catechumen (or member) ask: Am I bold enough to cry out for Jesus’ mercy and allow him to open my eyes?

  3. Service in faith: The memorial of St Elizabeth of Hungary reminds us that fidelity to Christ is closely tied to service of the poor and marginalised. How can your journey of faith lead you to compassionate action?

  4. Word of God as foundation: Reflect on the Psalm: the Word is more precious than gold, more necessary than food. Commit to regular reading, prayer, lectio divina of Scripture so your faith is anchored, not shaken when life gets hard.

  5. Community awareness: The First Reading emphasises the danger of losing the Law by adopting the ways of the surrounding culture. In your community and parish, how can you support each other in staying true to the Gospel rather than being swept away by secular trends?

🙌 Closing Prayer

God of unfailing mercy and steadfast love, you hear the cry of the blind and send your Son to bring sight and salvation. Grant that, like the faithful servants of old and like St Elizabeth, we may walk always in your light, remain true to your word, serve our neighbours in humility, and live in the hope of the resurrection. May our eyes be opened to your presence, may our hearts be fixed on your law, and may our lives bear witness to your love. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

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