Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 5, 2025
First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24
17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:21That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.24They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.4One thing have I desired 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 behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31
27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.28And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
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.