Mass readings for Wednesday, 17 December 2025

 

📖Mass Readings – 17 December 2025

(Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent)





🕊 Opening Prayer

O God of mercy and compassion,
as we journey through Advent, open our hearts to receive Your Word.
Help us to grow in wisdom and understanding,
so that we may recognize Christ in all things,
and draw others closer to You through our thoughts, words, and deeds.
We make this prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

📘 First Reading

Genesis 49:2, 8–10
“The scepter shall not depart from Judah…”

Jacob gathers his sons and speaks prophetically of Judah, saying:
“Judah, your brothers shall praise you;
your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies…”
This passage foretells the coming of the Messiah from the tribe of Judah,
a king to whom all nations will bow in homage,
signalling the royal lineage of Christ. Catholic Gallery

👉 Reflection:
God’s plan of salvation is revealed in unexpected ways—through family, history, and promise. Today’s reading reminds us that God’s word is trustworthy and unfolds through generations toward Christ.

🎶 Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 72:1–2, 3–4ab, 7–8, 17
R. Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.

Response:
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

  • Give the king your justice, O God,
    and to a king’s son your righteousness.

  • He shall govern your people with justice,
    and your afflicted ones with judgment.

  • Let the mountains bring peace to the people,
    and the hills justice.

  • His name shall endure for ever;
    his name shall be continued as long as the sun. Catholic Gallery

👉 Explanation:
This psalm prays for God’s justice and peace, realized ultimately in Christ. As we prepare for Christmas, we long for the reign of Christ to touch our world with righteousness, mercy, and peace.

✨ Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia!
O Wisdom of our God Most High, guiding creation with power and love;
come to teach us the path of knowledge!
Alleluia!
(This acclamation captures the Advent theme “O Sapientia — O Wisdom.”) YouTube

📖 Gospel

Matthew 1:1–17
The genealogy of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel presents the lineage of our Lord, Jesus Christ, tracing His roots through Abraham and David. This list of ancestors highlights God’s faithful working through history, fulfilling every promise and preparing the way for salvation. Catholic Gallery

👉 Reflection:
Though a list of names may seem plain, this genealogy reveals God’s fidelity through time and human history. Christ enters our story fully human and fully divine, connecting us to the great cloud of witnesses.

🙏 Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You come to us not only as Savior but as fulfillment of all prophecy.
Strengthen our faith as we meditate on Your Word this Advent.
Make us messengers of Your peace and justice,
so that in our families, communities, and world,
Your kingdom may come and Your will be done.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

💡 Application for Catholics & Catechumens (Singapore)

1) Personal Prayer:
As you reflect on Judah’s role in salvation history, ask the Lord to deepen your trust in His timing and Providence—even when life feels uncertain.

2) Community:
Share a verse from today’s readings with someone in your parish or family, and pray together for peace and justice in your community.

3) Action:
Identify one way you can live justice and peace this week—through forgiveness, service, or advocacy for those in need.

🔗 Source Links for Readings

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