Mass readings for Thursday, 20 November 2025 (33rd Week in Ordinary Time, Weekday)

 

Readings

First Reading: 1 Maccabees 2:15-29

“The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to organise the sacrifices. Many of Israel joined them, but Mattathias and his sons gathered in a group apart. … But Mattathias answered in a loud voice: ‘Although all the Gentiles in the king’s realm obey him, so that each forsakes the religion of his fathers and consents to the king’s orders, yet I and my sons and my kin will keep to the covenant of our fathers. God forbid that we should forsake the law and the commandments. We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree.’ … Many who sought to live according to righteousness and religious custom went out into the desert to settle there.” Catholic Daily Readings+2Catholic Leaf+2


 

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 50:1b-2, 5-6, 14-15 (R. 23b)

“R. To one whose way is blameless I will show the salvation of God.
1b God, the LORD, has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
5 ‘Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.’
6 And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is judge.
14 ‘Offer to God sacrifice of praise, and fulfil your vows to the Most High;
15 then call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honour me.’” Catholic Leaf+1

Alleluia Verse: Psalms 95:8

“Alleluia, alleluia. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Alleluia.” Catholic Daily Readings+1

Gospel: Luke 19:41-44

“When Jesus drew near Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. For days will come when your enemies will raise a stockade against you, surround you and hem you in on every side, and level you and your children within you; they will not leave one stone upon another because you did not recognise the time of your visitation.’” USCCB+2Catholic Leaf+2

Sources & links:

Opening Prayer

Lord God, you call us to stand firm in faith and to recognise the time of your visitation. Grant us the courage of Mattathias, who would not forsake your covenant, and open our hearts to your word. As we listen to your Son weeping over Jerusalem, may we hear your voice today, and not harden our hearts. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection & Application

For Catholics

  • The first reading presents the example of Mattathias: brave, zealous, unwilling to compromise his faith even under pressure. In our world, faith can be challenged by convenience, indifference, or cultural pressure. This reading invites us to examine: Where might I be tempted to compromise? and How am I faithful to the covenant of baptism in everyday life?

  • The Gospel shows Jesus weeping over Jerusalem because the people failed to recognise the time of God’s visitation. As Catholics, we are reminded that Christ comes to us in many ways: in the Mass, the sacraments, the poor, in our brothers and sisters. Are we alert to his coming, or have we become complacent?

  • The Psalm reinforces trust: God calls us, demands integrity (“way is blameless”), invites us to offering praise and fulfilment of vows. Our sacrifice today is not just the Mass, but our lives lived in service and love.

For Catechumens (those preparing for baptism/confirmation)

  • The invitation to “keep the covenant of our fathers” in the first reading takes on meaning for you as you prepare to enter the Church. You are preparing to accept the new covenant in Christ. This reading encourages you: be steadfast, remain committed, even amid doubt or opposition.

  • The Gospel invites you to recognise Christ’s visitation. As you approach the sacraments, consider: How will I welcome Jesus into my life? Am I ready to allow him to change me?

  • The Responsorial Psalm’s promise: “I will show the salvation of God” is particularly directed to you. In baptism you will receive salvation. Respond today by offering your life in praise and fulfilling the vows you will make.

General Application

  • Look around you: are there “enemies” or obstacles hemming you in because you did not recognise Christ’s presence? (Addictions, relationships, fear, neglect of prayer.) Ask for freedom.

  • Make a concrete resolution: perhaps commit to attending Mass more faithfully, or to offering a small sacrifice each day (time in prayer, service to neighbor) as an act of the covenant.

  • If you are part of a parish community: encourage one another in zeal for the faith — as Mattathias rallied others — so that the Christian community shines for integrity and witness.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to visit us and to bring peace. Strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and enliven our love. May we recognise your presence in our lives, respond with generosity, and stand firm in your covenant. Grant that, through the example of your saints and the power of your Spirit, we may live as your faithful people until the day you come in glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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