Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 28, 2025
First Reading: Sirach 3.2-6, 12-14
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Psalm 128
1Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.2For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee.3Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table.4Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD.5The LORD shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.6Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.
Second Reading: Colossians 3.12-17
12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Gospel: Matthew 2.13-15, 19-23
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,20Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.21And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.22But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:23And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.
Sermon
Today's readings invite us to reflect on our responsibilities within the family and the wider Christian community, and on the profound implications of our obedience to God's will. Sirach calls us to honor our parents, particularly our fathers, reminding us that God Himself has elevated their position, and that supporting them in their old age brings happiness and ensures our prayers are heard. This ancient wisdom provides a foundation for the virtues Paul exhorts the Colossians to "clothe themselves" with: hearts of mercy, kindness, humility, modesty, patience, and above all, charity. These qualities are not merely suggestions but the very fabric of life for God's elect, binding us together in peace and enabling us to forgive one another as the Lord has forgiven us. Living this way, with Christ's word dwelling richly within us, ensures that everything we do, in word or deed, gives thanks to God the Father through Jesus.
The Gospel perfectly illustrates these principles through the actions of St. Joseph. Faced with grave danger to the Child Jesus from Herod, Joseph, without question or delay, rises in the night and flees with Mary and Jesus to Egypt, later returning to Nazareth under divine guidance. His prompt, unwavering obedience to the angel's instructions in his dreams embodies the humility, trust, and selfless love described in Colossians. Joseph’s quiet strength and protective spirit are a testament to honoring his divine son and foster-wife, providing for their safety and well-being, much like Sirach's advice to care for one's parents. He sets an example of how true fatherhood, indeed any Christian life, is lived through attentive listening to God and courageous action, even when it means disrupting our plans and facing uncertainty.
These readings collectively challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we truly honoring those God has placed in our care, whether our parents, our children, or our brothers and sisters in Christ, by embodying the virtues of mercy, kindness, and patience? Do we, like Joseph, listen for God's guidance in our daily lives, and are we ready to respond with immediate and faithful obedience, even when it demands sacrifice? Let us strive to live each day clothed in charity, allowing the peace of Christ to rule our hearts, and doing all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, confident that in doing so, we fulfill His divine plan for our lives and the lives of those around us.