Friday 5 December 2025

Friday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A(II)

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First Reading — Isaiah 29:17–24

In a very short time, the deaf will hear and the eyes of the blind will see.

The Lord declares:

“In just a little while, Lebanon will be transformed into fertile land, and the fields will flourish like forests. On that day, the deaf will hear the words of a book, and out of darkness and gloom the eyes of the blind will see.

The humble will rejoice in the Lord, and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. Tyrants will vanish, scoffers will be silenced, and those who plot evil will be destroyed—those who twist justice, trap the innocent, or dismiss the righteous without cause.

Therefore, says the Lord, the God of Jacob, the Redeemer of Abraham: Jacob will no longer be ashamed, nor will his face grow pale. He will see the work of My hands in his midst, and he will honor My name. They will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and stand in awe of the God of Israel. Those who stray will learn wisdom, and those who murmur will accept instruction.”

Message:

Isaiah proclaims a vision of renewal where the blind see, the deaf hear, and the poor rejoice. God promises justice and restoration, overturning oppression and vindicating the faithful. This passage reminds us that Advent is a season of hope, anticipating the coming of Christ who fulfills these promises.

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Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 27(26):1, 4, 13–14

Response: The Lord is my light and my help.

The Lord is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;

before whom shall I shrink?

The Lord is my light and my help.

There is one thing I ask of the Lord,

for this I long:

to dwell in the house of the Lord

all the days of my life,

to savor His sweetness,

to behold His temple.

The Lord is my light and my help.

I am certain I shall see the Lord’s goodness

in the land of the living.

Hope in Him, be strong, take courage;

hope in the Lord!

The Lord is my light and my help.

Message:

This psalm is a prayer of trust. The Lord is our light and refuge, dispelling fear and guiding us into His presence. Advent invites us to renew our hope and courage, confident that God’s goodness will be revealed in our lives.

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Gospel Acclamation — cf. Isaiah 45:8

Alleluia, alleluia!

Send victory like dew, you heavens,

and let the clouds rain it down.

Let the earth open and bring forth the Savior.

Alleluia!

Or:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Behold, our Lord will come with power

and will enlighten the eyes of His servants.

Alleluia!

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Gospel — Matthew 9:27–31

“Your faith deserves it, so let this be done for you.”

As Jesus went on His way, two blind men followed Him, crying out, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him, and Jesus asked, “Do you believe I can do this?” They replied, “Yes, Lord.”

Then He touched their eyes and said, “Your faith deserves it; let it be done for you.” Their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But once they left, they spread the news of Him throughout the countryside.

Message:

This healing story highlights the power of faith. The blind men’s trust in Jesus opens the way for their healing. Though Jesus asks for silence, their joy cannot be contained. Advent calls us to deepen our faith, trusting that Christ brings light to our darkness.

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