Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 30, 2025
First Reading: 1 John 2.12-17
12I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake.13I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.14I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.15Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Psalm 96
1O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth.2Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day.3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.4For the LORD is great, and greatly to be praised: he is to be feared above all gods.5For all the gods of the nations are idols: but the LORD made the heavens.6Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.7Give unto the LORD, O ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength.8Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.9O worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness: fear before him, all the earth.10Say among the heathen that the LORD reigneth: the world also shall be established that it shall not be moved: he shall judge the people righteously.11Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.12Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice13Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Gospel: Luke 2.36-40
36And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;37And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.38And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.39And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace 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.