Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 30, 2025
First Reading: 1 John 2.12-17
12I am writing to you, little sons, because your sins are forgiven for the sake of his name13I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, adolescents, because you have overcome the evil one14I am writing to you, little children, because you have known the Father. I am writing to you, young men, because you are strong, and the Word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one15Do not choose to love the world, nor the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the charity of the Father is not in him16For all that is in the world is the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eyes, and the arrogance of a life which is not of the Father, but is of the world17And the world is passing away, with its desire. But whoever does the will of God abides unto eternity
Psalm 96
1A Canticle of David himself, when the house was built after the captivity. Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth2Sing to the Lord and bless his name. Announce his salvation from day to day3Announce his glory among the Gentiles, his miracles among all peoples4For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised. He is terrible, beyond all gods5For all the gods of the Gentiles are demons, but the Lord made the heavens6Confession and beauty are in his sight. Sanctity and magnificence are in his sanctuary7Bring to the Lord, you natives of the nations, bring to the Lord glory and honor8Bring to the Lord glory for his name. Lift up sacrifices, and enter into his courts9Adore the Lord in his holy court. Let the entire earth be shaken before his face10Say among the Gentiles: The Lord has reigned. For he has even corrected the whole world, which will not be shaken. He will judge the peoples with fairness11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth exult; let the sea and all its fullness be moved12The fields and all the things that are in them will be glad. Then all the trees of the forest will rejoic13before the face of the Lord: for he arrives. For he arrives to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with fairness and the peoples with his truth
Gospel: Luke 2.36-40
36And there was a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very advanced in years, and she had lived with her husband for seven years from her virginity37And then she was a widow, even to her eighty-fourth year. And without departing from the temple, she was a servant to fasting and prayer, night and day38And entering at the same hour, she confessed to the Lord. And she spoke about him to all who were awaiting the redemption of Israel39And after they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their city, Nazareth40Now the child grew, and he was strengthened with the fullness of wisdom. And the grace of God was in him
Sermon
Today's first reading from the Apostle John offers a profound spiritual reflection for believers at every stage of their journey. He reassures us that our sins are forgiven, and reminds us that through Christ, we have overcome the evil one. This passage then presents a stark contrast, urging us not to love the world nor its fleeting desires—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. These worldly attachments are temporary and pass away, while doing the will of God leads to eternal life. John is calling us to discern where our true affections lie, emphasizing the transient nature of worldly pursuits compared to the enduring reality of God’s kingdom.
This call to discernment is beautifully illuminated by the Gospel account of the prophetess Anna. For eighty-four years, this holy widow dedicated her life to God within the temple, serving Him with fasting and prayer day and night. Her unwavering devotion meant she recognized the infant Jesus as the promised Redeemer and joyfully proclaimed Him to all who awaited salvation in Israel. Anna embodies the very essence of "not loving the world" and "doing the will of God." Her life was not consumed by the desires of the flesh or the pride of life, but by a singular focus on God, His presence, and His promises. She demonstrates how a heart detached from worldly distractions becomes acutely sensitive to divine revelation and purpose, allowing her to recognize Christ and testify to Him.
Taken together, these readings invite us to examine our own lives: Are we living for what is temporary, or for what is eternal? Like Anna, who persevered in prayer and service, our commitment to God's will provides true strength and wisdom, nurturing us in grace as Jesus himself grew in Nazareth. Let us strive to cultivate a heart that prioritizes God above all else, choosing His abiding will over the fleeting allure of the world, knowing that in Him alone do we find true peace, purpose, and eternal life.