Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection December 16, 2025

16th December 2025 (Tuesday)

Psalter: Week 3

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1-2,9-10

Thus says the Lord: “Woe to her who is rebellious and defiled, the oppressing city! She listens to no voice; she accepts no correction. She does not trust in the Lord; she does not draw near to her God. “For at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call upon the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Cush my worshipers, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering.

Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 and 23 R.(7a)

R/. The Lowly one called, and the Lord heard him

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Come, O Lord, do not delay; forgive the sins of your people.

R/. Alleluia

Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32

At the time: Jesus said to the Chief priests and the elders of the people, “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Tuesday – Third Week of Advent

Main Point: Often allegiance to a religion, adherence to a tradition, and practice of laws give a sense of privilege and guarantee for God’s grace and favours. But it is wrong

1. There is a theme of contrast in both readings. In the first reading, it is a contrast between two categories of people – the stubborn and unfaithful on one hand and the humble and faithful on the other hand. In the gospel, it is a contrast between two sons – one says no but then changes; the other says yes but does not follow.

2. The denotation of these contrasts is quite clear. These contrasts refer to the Jews and the non-Jews. God’s message and salvation are offered first to the chosen people. They said yes. They accepted by word of mouth. But they failed to show their fidelity in reality.

3. They become complacent and obstinate. They become rebellious, defiled, and oppressing. They are haughty. They listen to no voice and accept no correction. They do not trust in the Lord and do not draw near to their God. These are typified by the second son who says yes to God’s call but does not do His will.

4. On the contrary, the second category of people is typified by the first son who said no at first but then repents. These people repent and get converted to the true God. These are the people humble and lowly. They seek refuge in the name of the Lord. They do no injustice and speak no lies or deceit. They shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

5. From this contrast, the lesson is quite clear: there cannot be presumptions or pretensions, privileges or prerogatives, guarantees, or absolute certitudes in obtaining God’s grace. One merits God’s grace only by fidelity. St Lucy whom we commemorate today stands great by her unswerving loyalty even to the extent of martyrdom.

My Practice: Ultimately all our capacity and greatness is not our credit or merit. It is all God’s grace. Therefore, be humble and loyal