Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 23, 2025
First Reading: Malachi 3.1-4; 4.5-6
1Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.4Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
Psalm 25
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Gospel: Luke 1.57-66
57Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered; and she brought forth a son.58And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.59And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.60And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.61And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.62And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.63And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they marvelled all.64And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.65And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea.66And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.
Sermon
Today's readings speak of divine preparation and the unfolding of God's plan. In Malachi, we hear a prophecy of a messenger sent to prepare the way for the Lord, who will arrive like a refining fire, purifying and cleansing His people so that their sacrifices may be pleasing to Him. This passage also foretells the coming of Elijah, who will turn hearts towards one another before the Lord's great day. In the Gospel of Luke, we witness the fulfillment of such prophecies in the birth of John the Baptist. His miraculous birth to elderly Elizabeth, his divinely ordained name "John"—contrary to family custom—and the immediate restoration of Zechariah’s speech all point to his unique role. These events caused great wonder and even fear among their neighbors, prompting them to ponder what this child was destined to become, acknowledging that the hand of the Lord was upon him.
The connection between these passages is profound: Malachi's prophecy of a forerunner, often associated with Elijah, finds its direct fulfillment in John the Baptist. John, born of an elderly couple and named by divine command, is that very messenger, whose life and ministry would prepare the hearts of people for the coming of the Messiah, just as Malachi foretold. The "refining fire" and "fuller's herb" that the Lord brings through His messenger speak not of harsh judgment alone, but of a necessary purification—a spiritual cleansing that makes us fit to stand before Him and offer lives of justice and devotion. Zechariah's silence, broken by his obedient naming of John, underscores the divine authority behind this plan, demanding trust and obedience over human expectation.
These readings invite us to examine our own lives. Are we preparing our hearts for the Lord's presence, not just in grand moments, but in our daily choices? The Lord's coming, anticipated by John, is an ongoing invitation to allow ourselves to be refined, shedding whatever hinders our relationship with God and neighbor. Just as John was set apart for a specific purpose, each of us is called to a unique role in God's unfolding plan. We are to trust in His providence, even when His ways seem contrary to human logic or tradition, and to cultivate a sense of wonder and reverence for the ways He works in the world and in our own souls. Let us remember that His intention is always to purify us, making our lives a pleasing offering, and turning our hearts towards Him and towards one another in true reconciliation.