Mass Readings for Tuesday, 23 December 2025 (Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent)

 

✨ Opening Prayer 

Let us pray:
Lord our God,
you sent your messenger to prepare the way of your Son.
Grant that we who celebrate his coming may be purified by his example and ready to welcome him with joy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
— Amen.

📖 Mass Readings — 23 December 2025

🕊️ First Reading

Malachi 3:1–4, 23–24

“I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me.”
The Lord will come like a refining fire, purifying the faithful, and before the Day of the Lord, Elijah will return to turn hearts back to God.
(See full text: Catholic Daily Readings) Catholic Daily Readings

🎵 Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 25:4–5, 8–9, 10, 14

“Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.”
— We pray for the Lord’s guidance, trusting in his mercy and constancy in leading us in his ways.
(Based on USCCB lectionary response) USCCB

📖 Gospel

Luke 1:57–66

When Elizabeth gave birth to John (the Baptist), the neighbors rejoiced. On the day of his circumcision, his parents name him John, and Zechariah prophesies — his voice restored by the Holy Spirit. All who heard wondered what this child would become.
(See full text: Catholic Daily Readings) Catholic Daily Readings

💡 Explanation & Reflection

🕯️ Theme: “Preparing the way of the Lord”

Today’s readings deepen our Advent journey as we near Christmas:

  • Malachi reminds us that God prepares his people. He sends his messenger not only in ancient times (Elijah) but ultimately in Christ, the fulfillment of God’s promise.

  • The Psalm invites us to lift our hearts and trust the Lord, especially as we await the coming of Jesus with joy and humility.

  • Luke’s Gospel shows the joyful fulfillment of God’s promise in the birth of John the Baptist — a forerunner to Christ. The naming of John signifies obedience to God’s plan and heralds the coming of salvation.

🔎 Application for Today

💛 For Catholics

  • Prepare your heart spiritually for Christmas: take time for prayer and confession.

  • Reflect on how God “refines” you this Advent — what habits or attitudes need purification?

📘 For Catechumens

  • See in John the Baptist a model disciple: he points away from himself toward Christ.

  • Ask: How can I prepare my life to receive Jesus this Christmas?

✝️ Closing Prayer

Lord,
as we await the celebration of the Nativity of your Son,
help us to prepare the way in our hearts.
May our lives reflect your mercy and our actions witness to your love,
so that, standing before you in holiness,
we may rejoice with all the saints at the beginning of your eternal kingdom.
Through Christ our Lord.
— Amen.

🔗 Source Links to Readings Online

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