Monday 1 December 2025

Monday of the First Week of Advent

Liturgical Colour: Violet

Year: A (II)

---

First Reading — Isaiah 4:2–6

The fruit of the earth shall be the pride and adornment of Israel's survivors

That day, the branch of the Lord shall be splendid and glorious, and “the fruit of the earth shall be the pride and adornment of Israel’s survivors”.

Those who remain in Zion and dwell in Jerusalem shall be called holy, and those recorded in Jerusalem shall be preserved.

When the Lord has cleansed the daughter of Zion of her sins and removed the bloodshed in her,

He will dwell on all of Mount Zion with those gathered there,

as a cloud by day, smoke, and a bright fire by night.

Over all, the glory of the Lord will serve as a canopy, providing shade by day, shelter from storms, and protection from the rain.

Message:

God assures His faithful of hope, protection, and restoration. Even amid trials, His steadfast love purifies, shelters, and strengthens. Those who remain holy in His sight will witness His glory, experiencing His guidance, peace, and the joy of salvation, as He prepares hearts for the coming of Christ.

---

Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 121(122):1–2,4–5,6–9

Response: I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem.

The tribes of the Lord go there, to praise His holy name.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May peace dwell in your homes, in your walls, and in your palaces!”

I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

For the love of my brethren and friends, I say: “Peace upon you!”

For the love of the house of the Lord, I will seek your good.

I rejoiced when I heard them say: “Let us go to God’s house.”

Message:

The psalm reminds us that entering the Lord’s presence brings joy and security. God’s faithful are called to rejoice in His house, to seek peace for communities, and to trust in His providence. Worship and prayer cultivate harmony, protection, and unity among His people.

---

Gospel Acclamation — cf. Ps 79:4

Alleluia, alleluia!

God of hosts, bring us back;

let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved.

Alleluia!

---

Gospel — Matthew 8:5–11

“Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; only speak the word and my servant shall be healed”

When Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion approached and said, “Sir, my servant lies at home paralyzed and suffers greatly.”

Jesus replied, “I will come and heal him myself.”

But the centurion answered, “Sir, I am not worthy to have you under my roof; only speak the word and my servant shall be healed. For I am under authority myself and say to one man, ‘Go,’ and he goes; to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

Jesus marveled and said, “Truly, I tell you, nowhere in Israel have I found such faith. Many will come from east and west to take their places with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.”

Message:

Faith trusts God fully, even when unworthy. Like the centurion, we are called to depend on Christ’s authority, confident that His word brings healing and salvation. God’s mercy extends to all nations, and those who approach Him with humility and faith share in His kingdom. True faith transcends status, ritual, and proximity, embracing God’s grace and power.

.

Related Post