Opening Prayer
Loving and merciful God,
You sent your Son to seek the lost and bring comfort to your people. As we gather in his name this day, open our hearts to your word. Help us to prepare the way of the Lord, and to rejoice when one of your little ones is found. Grant that we may be instruments of your love and mercy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings
First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
“Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God.
Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and call to her that her service is ended, her guilt is expiated; she has received from the LORD’s hand double for all her sins.
A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the desert a highway for our God! …’ ” USCCB+3Catholic Daily Readings+3Daily Mass Readings+3
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 96:1-2, 3 and 10ac, 11-12, 13
R. “The Lord our God comes with power.” USCCB+2Daily Mass Readings+2
“Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all the earth.
Sing to the LORD and bless his name; announce his salvation day after day. …” Daily Mass Readings+1
Gospel: Matthew 18:12-14
“What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the stray? … And if he finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones should perish.” Catholic Gallery+1
Explanation & Reflection
Context & Meaning:
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The first reading from Isaiah presents the comforting voice of God to his people: He brings healing, forgiveness, restoration and calls for preparation for the Lord’s coming. It echoes Advent themes of waiting, hope, reconciliation and renewal.
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The psalm picks up this theme: a new song, the coming of the Lord in power, the call for all the earth to rejoice and witness God’s saving deeds.
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In the gospel, Jesus uses the “lost sheep” image to show how deeply God cares for each individual, especially “the little ones” or those who are vulnerable, lost or separated from the flock. The shepherd’s joy in finding the lost sheep reveals the heart of God’s mercy.
For Catholics and Catechumens in Singapore:
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As Catholics, this reading invites us to reflect on how prepared we are for the Lord — not only at Christmas, but in every moment of our lives. Are we ready to make straight the path, to remove obstacles that keep us from God?
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As catechumens (those preparing for baptism or full-initiation), the readings encourage you in your journey: you are not “lost” but being found and guided by the Shepherd. You are welcomed into the fold, and God rejoices in your coming.
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In the local context of Singapore: we live in a fast-paced, multi-cultural, multi-religious society. The call to “prepare the way of the Lord” invites us to witness Christ in our everyday environment—in workplaces, schools, public transport, homes—making our lives a highway for God to pass through by our acts of love, mercy and truth.
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The “little ones” might also remind us to look out especially for those on the margins in our society: migrant workers, the homeless, the lonely elderly, new immigrants. God’s concern is for each one; our mission is to reflect that concern.
Application
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Take a few minutes today to examine your life: What inside you needs to be “leveled” or “made straight” so that God can travel it freely? Perhaps a habit of resentment, a closed heart, an unjust attitude. Invite the Lord to smooth that path.
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Consider one person who feels lost or disconnected—in your family, friendship circle, community. Pray for them. Then reach out to them in some simple way: a kind word, an invitation, a gesture of inclusion.
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As catechumens: reflect on your initiation journey—how you are being brought into the fold; what you are discovering about God’s mercy; how you are preparing to live that out in community life after your baptism/confirmation.
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As Catholics: think of your parish/community. How can we as a parish be more the “highway” through which Christ’s love reaches the city and society around us? Could we engage more with the poor, the excluded, the immigrants? Could we build bridges across divisions?
Concluding Prayer
God of mercy and compassion,
You call us by name and bring us home.
Grant that we may walk in the light of your face,
and rejoice in the love you have for each one of us.
May we build roads of peace in our lives and in our world,
so that others may know you, meet you and share your joy.
We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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