Catholic Mass readings for Tuesday, 16 December 2025 (Advent – Third Week of Advent)

 

✨ Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord, as we gather before Your Word today,
open our hearts to hear You and to follow You faithfully.
Grant us the grace to repent and to turn to You with humble hearts,
so that we may bear fruit in Your kingdom.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.


📖 Readings for Tuesday, 16 December 2025 — Advent Weekday

First Reading

📜 Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13
The prophet Zephaniah speaks of judgment against a rebellious and disobedient people, but also of God’s promise to purify the nations so that all may call on the name of the Lord in unity and hope. A humble remnant shall trust in the Lord and be safe. Catholic Gallery

Key verse:
“…I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly, who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD…” Catholic Gallery

Responsorial Psalm

ðŸŽĩ Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23
R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
This psalm rejoices in God’s goodness and His care for those who call on Him — especially the humble, the poor in spirit, and the brokenhearted — reminding us that God listens and saves. Catholic Online

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.
Come, O Lord, do not delay; forgive the sins of your people.
Alleluia. Catholic Online

Gospel

✝ Matthew 21:28-32
Jesus tells the parable of the two sons: one who initially refuses the father’s will but later obeys, and one who promises to obey but does not. Christ teaches that what matters most is humble obedience to God’s will — not words alone. Catholic Gallery

Key insight:
Jesus says that those who repent and act accordingly enter the Kingdom of God — a message of mercy for all who turn back to God with sincerity. Catholic Gallery

ðŸŠķ Short Reflection / Explanation

Advent theme: Conversion and readiness for the Lord.
Today’s readings highlight God’s desire to purify and transform hearts. Zephaniah calls the people to trust God and be humble. The psalm emphasizes that God hears and saves those who seek Him with a contrite heart. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to live what we profess — not merely say the right words but do the will of the Father.
In Advent, we are invited to prepare for Christ’s coming not just externally but with interior conversion. petercanisiusmichaeldavidkang

🙏 Application for Catholics & Catechumens

For Catholics:

  • Reflect on areas in your life where your actions must align more deeply with your faith.

  • Ask the Holy Spirit to make your heart humble and open to God’s correction.

For Catechumens:

  • Meditate on what it means to truly respond to God’s call.

  • Consider areas where you may have said “yes” to God in words but not in actions — and ask God for grace to change.

Prayerful action:
Offer a small sacrifice today — a deed of kindness, a moment of prayer — as a way of practicing obedience to God’s will.

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord God,
You call us not only to hear Your Word,
but to live it in sincerity and truth.
Give us the grace to say “yes” to You in deed and not just in words.
In this Advent season, make our hearts ready
to receive Your Son with faith renewed.
Help us to walk humbly with You,
trusting always in Your loving care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

🔗 Source Links for Readings

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