Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 26, 2025
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2.1-8
1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our acceptance among you was not empty2Instead, having previously suffered and been treated shamefully, as you know, at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, so as to speak the Gospel of God to you with much solicitude3For our exhortation was not in error, nor from impurity, nor with deception4But, just as we have been tested by God, so that the Gospel would be entrusted to us, so also did we speak, not so as to please men, but rather to please God, who tests our hearts5And neither did we, at any time, become flattering in speech, as you know, nor did we seek an opportunity for avarice, as God is witness6Nor did we seek the glory of men, neither from you, nor from others7And although we could have been a burden to you, as Apostles of Christ, instead we became like little ones in your midst, like a nurse cherishing her children8So desirous were we for you that we were willing to hand over to you, not only the Gospel of God, but even our own souls. For you have become most beloved to us
Psalm 139
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. O Lord, you have examined me, and you have known me2You have known my sitting down and my rising up again3You have understood my thoughts from afar. My path and my fate, you have investigated4And you have foreseen all my ways. For there is no word in my tongue5Behold, O Lord, you have known all things: the newest and the very old. You have formed me, and you have placed your hand over me6Your knowledge has become a wonder to me. It has been reinforced, and I am not able to prevail against it7Where will I go from your Spirit? And where will I flee from your face8If I ascend into heaven, you are there. If I descend into Hell, you are near9If I assume my feathers in early morning, and dwell in the utmost parts of the sea10even there, your hand will lead me forth, and your right hand will hold me11And I said: Perhaps darkness will overwhelm me, and the night will be my illumination, to my delight12But darkness will not be impenetrable to you, and night will illuminate like the day: for just as its darkness is, so also is its light13For you have possessed my temperament. You have supported me from the womb of my mother14I will confess to you, for you have been magnified terribly. Your works are miraculous, as my soul knows exceedingly well15My bone, which you have made in secret, has not been hidden from you, and my substance is in accord with the lower parts of the earth16Your eyes saw my imperfection, and all this shall be written in your book. Days will be formed, and no one shall be in them17But to me, O God, your friends have been greatly honored. Their first ruler has been exceedingly strengthened18I will number them, and they will be more numerous than the sand. I rose up, and I am still with you19O God, if only you would cut down sinners. You men of blood: depart from me20For you say in thought: They will accept your cities in vain21Have I not hated those who hated you, Lord, and wasted away because of your enemies22I have hated them with a perfect hatred, and they have become enemies to me23Examine me, O God, and know my heart. Question me, and know my paths24And see if there might be in me the way of iniquity, and lead me in the way of eternity
Gospel: Matthew 23.23-26
23Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you collect tithes on mint and dill and cumin, but you have abandoned the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, while not omitting the others24You blind guides, straining out a gnat, while swallowing a camel25Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you clean what is outside the cup and the dish, but on the inside you are full of avarice and impurity26You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the dish, and then what is outside becomes clean
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the integrity of our actions. In the first reading from 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds the early Christians of the sincerity and selflessness with which he and his companions shared the Gospel. He emphasizes that their mission was not driven by personal gain or human approval but by a deep love for God and for the people they served. This passage highlights the importance of living out our faith with humility and generosity, putting the needs of others before our own.
In the Gospel, Jesus critiques the scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy. He points out that while they meticulously observed certain religious practices, such as tithing, they neglected the more essential aspects of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. Jesus’ words challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we more focused on outward appearances or on cultivating inner purity and compassion? He warns against being “blind guides” who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel, reminding us that true faith must transform both our hearts and our actions.
These readings call us to live with integrity, ensuring that our words and actions align with the values of the Gospel. Like St. Paul, we are called to share our faith with sincerity and love, not seeking glory or gain. And like Jesus’ critique of the Pharisees, we are reminded that true righteousness begins within. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects the love and mercy of God? Are we more concerned with what others see or with what God sees in our hearts? May we strive to be people of authenticity and compassion, living out our faith in a way that honors God and serves others.