🌿 MASS READINGS — 11 DECEMBER 2025 (Singapore) Thursday of the 2nd Week of Advent

 

🕊 OPENING PRAYER

Lord our God,
Renew our hearts during this season of joyful expectation.
Through Your Word, strengthen our hope, purify our desires,
and stir within us a deeper longing for Your Kingdom.
Make us attentive to Your voice today,
that we may walk faithfully in the path of Your Son.
Amen.




📖 FIRST READING

Isaiah 41:13–20

“For I, the Lord your God,
hold your right hand…
Fear not, I will help you.”

CCC References

  • CCC 301 God sustains and accompanies His people.

  • CCC 1820 Christian hope rests on God’s promises.

  • CCC 708–716 God forms His people through the prophets.

Explanation

Israel was in exile, discouraged and powerless. God draws close as a Father who takes a trembling child by the hand and promises transformation: deserts will bloom, rivers will flow, and weakness will become strength.

Application

  • When life feels dry or overwhelming, God whispers: “I am holding your right hand.”

  • Advent is the time to let God enter the areas of our life that feel barren.

  • Surrender your fears; God can turn deserts into gardens.

📖 RESPONSORIAL PSALM

Psalm 144 (145):1, 9–13

Response: “The Lord is compassionate in all His works.”

Explanation

This psalm reminds us that God’s mercy extends to every creature, preparing us to recognise His tenderness in the Gospel.

🌟 📖  GOSPEL

Gospel: Matthew 11:11–15

CCC References

  • CCC 719 John the Baptist as the Lord’s immediate precursor.

  • CCC 523 John prepares the way for Christ.

  • CCC 1021 The urgency of conversion.

Explanation

Jesus teaches that John the Baptist is the greatest of all born of women because he stands at the threshold of salvation history. Yet even “the least in the kingdom” is greater because they now share in the graces flowing from Christ’s redemption.

The phrase “the kingdom suffers violence” refers to the spiritual intensity needed to respond to God’s call:
a determination to remove sin, resist temptation, and pursue holiness with courage.

Jesus then identifies John as the new Elijah, the one who fulfills the prophecy of preparing the way for the Messiah.

Application for Catholics & Catechumens in Singapore

  • Advent calls for active conversion, not passive waiting.

  • Take hold of the kingdom with spiritual determination:

    • Remove one habitual sin.

    • Restart prayer if you’ve slowed down.

    • Seek Confession this week.

  • Like John, your life is meant to prepare the way for Christ in your family, workplace, and community.

🪔 ADVENT THEME OF THE DAY

Courage to follow God and readiness for His Kingdom.
God strengthens the weak (Isaiah) and calls the willing (John the Baptist).
Advent is not soft waiting. It is brave preparation.

🙏 CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Give us the courage of John the Baptist
and the hope promised through Isaiah.
Strengthen our resolve to seek Your Kingdom
with faith, humility, and perseverance.
Prepare our hearts for Your Son
who comes to save and to renew.
Amen.

📚 SOURCE LINKS

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