Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 30, 2025
First Reading: 1 John 2.12-17
12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name's sake.13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.14I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world--the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions--is not from the Father but is from the world.17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Psalm 96
1Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!2Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.3Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!4For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.5For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens.6Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.7Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength!8Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts!9Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness; tremble before him, all the earth!10Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."11Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;12let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy13before the LORD, for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Gospel: Luke 2.36-40
36And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin,37and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.38And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.39And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.40And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon 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.