Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 5, 2025
First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24
17Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest?18In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see.19The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel.20For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off,21who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right.22Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: "Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale.23For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction."
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.4One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!8You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.11Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31
27And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David."28When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord."29Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."30And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, "See that no one knows about it."31But they went away and spread his fame through all that district.
Sermon
The prophet Isaiah speaks of a profound transformation, where the barren becomes fruitful, the deaf hear, and the blind see, and those who had strayed in spirit will find understanding. It is a vision of God's redemptive work, turning shame into sanctification and giving strength to the meek. This prophetic hope finds its echo in today's Gospel, where two blind men approach Jesus, crying out for mercy and acknowledging him as the Son of David. Jesus directly challenges their faith, asking if they believe he can heal them. Upon their affirmation, he touches their eyes, and immediately, "according to your faith, so let it be done for you," their sight is restored.
The connection between these readings is striking. Isaiah's prophecy of physical and spiritual healing, of the blind seeing and the deaf hearing, is not merely symbolic but finds a literal fulfillment in Christ. Jesus demonstrates that he is the one bringing about the new era foretold by the prophet, where God's transformative power is manifest. For us, these readings serve as a powerful reminder that we too can suffer from spiritual blindness or deafness, unable to perceive God's presence or hear His call in our daily lives. Like the blind men, we are invited to approach Christ with unwavering faith, trusting that He has the power to open our eyes and ears to His truth and grace.
The moral lesson here is one of faith and transformation. The blind men's persistent call for mercy and their firm belief in Jesus' power were essential to their healing. We are called to emulate this steadfast faith, especially when we face challenges that obscure our spiritual vision. When our eyes are opened by Christ, we are empowered to sanctify His name and bear witness to His work, even if it means stepping beyond our comfort zones, much like the healed men who, despite Jesus' instruction, could not help but spread the good news. Our spiritual healing should lead us to share the hope and understanding we have received, guiding those who still wander in spiritual darkness.