Mass Readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A - Gaudete Sunday
- First Reading – Isaiah 35:1-6A, 10: "Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; they will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee."
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146: "Lord, come and save us."
- Second Reading – James 5:7-10: "See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains."
- Gospel - Matthew 11:2-11: "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
Themes for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
The readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A help us consider the signs of our salvation. In the first reading we foresee a land where our king rules in justice. In the second reading we are encouraged to be patient. In the gospel Jesus tells us we must look at what we see before us and decide what we believe.
- Faith
- Salvation
- Care for the marginalized
- The Incarnation of Christ
- Patience
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A.
Resources for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
Prayer of Trust in God
This prayer of trust in God is based on Psalm 146, which is the responsorial psalm for this Sunday. It speaks of depending on God about all other things.
Who Are You? A Lesson Plan on Identity
This reflection helps youth consider the question which was asked of John the Baptist: “Who are you?” There are many ways we can identify ourselves. How does our faith impact our identity?
Advent Ideas for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
Why Linus Drops His Blanket in A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas emphasizes the religious nature of the Christmas holiday. But did you ever notice that Linus drops his blanket during the show?
Pray the O Antiphons
The "O Antiphons" are part of the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours for December 17 to December 23. In them, Old Testament imagery is used to proclaim the coming of the Christ child. Incorporate them into your family prayer this advent.
Make Some Christmas Ornaments and Give Them Away
Today, make some Christmas ornaments together and give them away. Bring a little light and cheer into somebody else's Advent by letting them know you are thinking of them. While any recipient would do, this would be an especially nice Advent activity to do for an elderly neighbor or
Homilies and Reflections for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
What You Hear and See
From Bishop Robert Barron. It’s not really possible to understand Jesus apart from his precursor. All four Gospels compel us to come to grips with John. His job is always the same: he points to Jesus. If we’re staring at John, we’re missing the point. Well, in our Gospel for today, John indicates the Lord in a most distinctive manner.
Here is Your God
From Scott Hahn. John questions Jesus from prison in today’s Gospel—for his disciples’ sake and for ours. He knows that Jesus is doing “the works of the Messiah,” foretold in today’s First Reading and Psalm. But John wants his disciples—and us—to know that the Judge is at the gate, that in Jesus our God has come to save us. Continue reading.
The Virtue of Hope
Also from Bishop Barron. Hope is not this-worldly optimism. In fact, from a purely natural perspective, pessimism is the right attitude. Hope is that supernatural virtue which orders our desire toward heaven and the things of heaven. What Isaiah talks about in our first reading is not an expectation that will be realized here below, but only in a transfigured world on high.
More Thoughts for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
Advent is a season of expectant waiting, and waiting requires patience. The second reading from James encourages us to be patient. So in the busy times leading up to Christmas, it is good to step back from time to time and just spend some time thinking about what we are patiently waiting for.
John has been waiting for the Messiah, so while in prison, he sends messengers to Jesus to ask "Are you the one?" Jesus replies that they should look at the signs. Jesus brings physical and spiritual healing to the world. This is the description Isaiah gives of the coming of the Lord. "Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing."
So Jesus is the fulfillment of the hopeful vision of Isaiah. This is a joyful time of salvation. We can find hope in the healing Jesus brings to us and to our world.
Reflection Questions for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
- Do I really believe in Jesus Christ as my savior?
- Am able to be patient and show patience?
- How can I bring the healing of Jesus into the world?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A
Strengthen the hands that are feeble, make firm the knees that are weak, say to those whose hearts are frightened: Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date is the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A?
The next date is Sunday December 14, 2025.
For other years see the links below:
3rd Sunday of Advent Year B: Sunday December 13, 2026
3rd Sunday of Advent Year C: Sunday December 15, 2024
What are the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A?
The Mass readings for Sunday December 14, 2025 are:
First Reading – Isaiah 35:1-6A, 10
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 146
Second Reading – James 5:7-10
Gospel - Matthew 11:2-11: "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me."
What are the themes for the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Advent Year A?
Some themes for Sunday December 14, 2025 are faith, salvation, care for the marginalized, the Incarnation of Christ, patience, and hope.
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