Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 26, 2025
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2.1-8
1For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.3For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:4But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:6Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:8So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
Psalm 139
1O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.5Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Gospel: Matthew 23.23-26
23Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.24Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.25Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.26Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
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.