December 16, 2025 – Word of the Day, Gospel & Pope’s Reflection

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Third Week of Advent, today’s Word of the Day calls us to sincere repentance and authentic obedience. The readings contrast rebellion with humble conversion, reminding us that God desires a change of heart, not just empty words. Through the prophet Zephaniah and the parable of Jesus, we are invited to become a people who are humble, lowly, and who truly seek refuge in the name of the Lord. 🙏 Readings: First Reading: Zephaniah 3:1–2, 9–13 — The prophet addresses a rebellious and defiant Jerusalem, a city that refused to trust in the Lord. But God promises a future restoration, not for the proud, but for a transformed people. He will create a remnant that is “humble and lowly,” who will speak no lies and will find their security and peace in Him alone. This purification will lead to a people who can call upon the Lord with a pure heart. Gospel: Matthew 21:28–32 — Jesus presents the parable of the two sons. The first son initially refuses to work in his father's vineyard but later repents and goes. The second son agrees to go but never does. Jesus asks the chief priests and elders which son did the father’s will, and they correctly answer, "The first." Jesus then states that tax collectors and prostitutes, who repented at the preaching of John the Baptist, are entering the kingdom of God ahead of the self-righteous religious leaders who failed to change their hearts. 🙏 Reflection: Today’s readings deliver a powerful and challenging message about the nature of true faith. It is not about outward appearances, religious status, or empty promises, but about the genuine disposition of the heart. Zephaniah’s prophecy foretells a judgment on the proud and self-reliant, but it is ultimately a message of hope. God’s desire is not to condemn but to purify and gather a people who trust entirely in Him. The "humble and lowly" are those who recognize their need for God and find their safety not in their own strength, but in His name. Jesus’ parable of the two sons sharpens this point dramatically. The religious leaders, who outwardly say "yes" to God, are like the second son their words are correct, but their actions are empty. In contrast, those considered public sinners, who initially said "no" to God's law, have repented and are now doing His will. Their change of heart is what matters. The parable is a direct challenge to us: are we the first son or the second? Do we pay lip service to our faith, or do we allow God’s call to genuinely convert our hearts and direct our actions, even after initial refusal? Advent is a perfect season to examine our own lives and move from a faith of empty words to one of humble, active obedience. 🙏 Application for Today: Reflect: In what areas of your life are you like the second son—saying "yes" to God but failing to act? Is there a "no" in your heart that needs to be turned into a repentant "yes"? Pray: Ask God for the grace of humility, to see yourself as you truly are, and for the courage to repent and amend your life. Pray to be counted among the "humble and lowly" who trust in Him. Act: Choose one specific action today that demonstrates your "yes" to God. It could be an act of service you've been putting off, a moment of sincere prayer you've been neglecting, or a step toward mending a broken relationship. Let your actions, not just your words, show your obedience. 🙏 Prayer: Lord God, My Father, forgive me for the times I have said "yes" to You with my lips but "no" with my life. Purify my heart and remove all pride and self-reliance. Grant me the humility of the first son, who, in repenting, did Your will. Make me one of Your humble and lowly people, who seek refuge in Your name alone and live by the truth of Your Word. Amen.