Daily Catholic Mass Readings for December 5, 2025
First Reading: Isaiah 29.17-24
17In a very short time, will not Lebanon be turned into a fertile field and the fertile field seem like a forest?18In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see.19Once more the humble will rejoice in the LORD; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20The ruthless will vanish, the mockers will disappear, and all who have an eye for evil will be cut down-21those who with a word make a man out to be guilty, who ensnare the defender in court and with false testimony deprive the innocent of justice.22Therefore this is what the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, says to the house of Jacob: "No longer will Jacob be ashamed; no longer will their faces grow pale.23When they see among them their children, the work of my hands, they will keep my name holy; they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.24Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding; those who complain will accept instruction."
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?2When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.3Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.4One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.5For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.6Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.7Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.8My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.9Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.10Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.11Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.12Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.13I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 9.27-31
27As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"28When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?Yes, Lord," they replied.29Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith will it be done to you";30and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, "See that no one knows about this."31But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.
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.