Mass Reading and Reflection December 4th 2025

First Reading: (Isaiah 26:1-6)

Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 118): “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Alleluia: (Isaiah 55:6)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call him while he is near.”

Gospel: (Matthew 7:21, 24-27)
Not everyone who says “Lord, Lord”

Reflection:
Humans are weak and helpless creatures. Every day I see the sick and dying. Nobody wants to be sick and nobody wants to die. Yet sickness strikes and death comes-all against our will or control. Who is man then? That is why God is good, and our faith and trust in Him shouldn't waver for anything on this earth. Today’s Mass readings remind us that faith is not just words but lived trust in God. Isaiah speaks of a strong city built on justice and trust in the Lord, while Jesus warns that only those who do the Father’s will enter the Kingdom. The wise person builds life on the solid rock of Christ’s teaching, not on shifting sands of convenience or pride.

In the Psalms, Judah sings of a strong city protected by God.
The gates open for a just nation that keeps faith.
God is described as the eternal Rock, humbling the lofty and raising up the poor.
Emphasis on trusting God rather than human power.
The gates of justice open for the righteous; salvation and prosperity come from the Lord.
Not all who profess will enter heaven, but those who do the Father’s will.
The wise build on rock (obedience to Christ’s words); the foolish build on sand (empty words without action).
Storms test foundations-only lives rooted in God endure.

Reflection
Advent is a season of preparation, and today’s readings challenge us to examine our foundations. Do we merely profess faith, or do we live it out in justice, mercy, and obedience? Isaiah’s vision of a strong city echoes Jesus’ parable: both point to stability found only in God.

Trust in the Lord as the eternal Rock: Human power and pride crumble, but God’s justice endures.
Faith requires action: Saying “Lord” is not enough; discipleship means aligning our choices with His will.
Advent invitation: Seek the Lord while He is near, opening the gates of our hearts to His presence.

In practical terms, this reflection calls us to build our daily lives on prayer, integrity, and service. When storms of doubt, suffering, or temptation come, those anchored in Christ will stand firm.

God bless you, and have a wonderful day.
Pal Ronnie