Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 23, 2023
First Reading: Malachi 3.1-4; 4.5-6
1"Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts.2But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap.3He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD.4Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.
Psalm 25
1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.2O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me.3Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.4Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.5Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.6Remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O LORD!8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.9He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.10All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great.12Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose.13His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land.14The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.15My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses.18Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.19Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me.20Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.21May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Gospel: Luke 1.57-66
57Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son.58And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.59And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father,60but his mother answered, "No; he shall be called John."61And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this name."62And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called.63And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered.64And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God.65And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea,66and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.
Sermon
The readings today guide us through themes of preparation and divine intervention, inviting us to reflect on our spiritual readiness and openness to God's will. In Malachi, we hear of a messenger preparing the way for the Lord, a figure who will purify and refine, much like a refiner's fire. This messenger is Elijah, whose role is to restore harmony between generations, turning hearts back to God. The passage underscores the transformative power of God's presence, urging us to be prepared for His coming.
In Luke's Gospel, we witness the birth of John the Baptist, a pivotal moment as John is named against the expectations of those around him. This act of naming symbolizes obedience to God's will, as Zechariah, regaining his voice, acknowledges the divine plan. John's arrival signals the beginning of a new era, preparing the way for Jesus. This narrative highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being open to His plan, even when it challenges our expectations.
Together, these readings remind us of the need for spiritual preparation and openness. As we go about our daily lives, we are called to create space for God, much like John prepared the way for Jesus. This involves reflecting on our actions, seeking justice, and nurturing a heart receptive to God's will. May we, like John, embody the spirit of preparation, turning our hearts to God and embracing His transformative grace.