Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent

• First Reading – Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13: The Lord will purify the nations, and the proud will be removed. The humble remnant of Israel will trust in the Lord, live righteously, and find peace without fear.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: The Lord always hears the cries of the poor and the righteous. He is close to those in need and saves them from their troubles. Those who trust in Him will be protected.
• Gospel – Matthew 21:28-32: Jesus teaches that actions matter more than words. Though one son initially refused to work but later obeyed, the other said yes but did not act. Tax collectors and sinners accepted righteousness, while the leaders did not.

Lectionary Reference: 188

Upcoming dates: December 16, 2025, December 15, 2026, December 14, 2027, December 14, 2032, December 13, 2033

When John came to you in the way of righteousness, you did not believe him; but tax collectors and prostitutes did. Yet even when you saw that, you did not later change your minds and believe him.

Matthew 21:32

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds people to listen to God and follow His ways. The readings show the difference between those who obey and those who turn away.

• Obedience to God: Some people hear God’s call but refuse to follow. Others may resist at first but later choose to do what is right.
• True Repentance: Words alone do not show real change. Actions prove whether someone has truly turned back to God.
• God Welcomes the Humble: God looks for those who are lowly and sincere. He blesses those who trust in Him and seek to do good.
• Warning Against Pride: The readings warn against being stubborn and refusing to listen to God. Pride leads people away from the truth.
• God’s Promise of Renewal: God promises to purify those who turn to Him. He will create a people who live with honesty and faithfulness.
• Justice and Righteousness: God wants people to live with fairness and honesty. He calls them to reject evil and do what is right.

God calls everyone to follow Him with a sincere heart. Those who listen and obey will find peace and joy.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds people to reflect on their actions and choices. The readings show that God looks for honesty, obedience, and real change. Justice and righteousness matter to Him. Repentance is not just about words but about turning back to God in a real way. Listening to God means following Him, not just hearing His words. These reflections help to consider how to live in a way that truly follows God’s call.

Living with Fairness and Honesty

God calls people to live with justice and righteousness. This means treating others fairly and being honest in all things. The first reading for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent warns against those who refuse to listen to God. They are dishonest and do not care about what is right. But God promises to bless those who live with truth and kindness.

The Gospel also speaks about righteousness. One son at first refuses to obey his father but later does what is right. The other son agrees to obey but does nothing. Jesus uses this story to show that true righteousness comes from action, not just words.

People can sometimes say the right things but not follow through. It is easy to talk about kindness, justice, and honesty, but harder to live them out. Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds people that God sees beyond words. He looks at how people actually live.

This is a time to reflect on daily actions. Do they show fairness and truth? Do they reflect God’s call to live justly? God invites everyone to choose what is right, even when it is difficult.

Actions Show True Repentance

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent teaches that true repentance is shown through actions, not just words. In the first reading, God speaks against those who refuse to listen. They do not turn from their wrong ways, even when warned. But He promises to bless those who humbly seek Him and live rightly.

The Gospel story also highlights repentance. The son who first refuses to work in the vineyard later changes his mind and obeys. He does what his father asked. The other son says he will obey but does not act. Jesus explains that true obedience comes from those who actually follow through.

Many people say they want to change but never do. They may admit their mistakes but continue in the same habits. Repentance is more than feeling sorry. It means making real changes.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent is a time to ask: Do my actions match my words? If I say I will follow God, do I truly try to live as He asks? God does not expect perfection, but He calls everyone to take real steps toward Him.

Listening and Following God

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds people to listen to God and follow His ways. The first reading warns about those who do not listen. They turn away from God and do what they want. But God promises to gather those who are humble and willing to follow Him. He will make them a people of truth and goodness.

The Gospel shows a clear example of listening and following. One son refuses at first but later obeys. The other son agrees to obey but does nothing. Jesus makes it clear that actions matter more than words. True followers of God do what He asks.

It is easy to hear God’s words but not act on them. Many people know what is right but hesitate to do it. Fear, pride, or comfort can get in the way. But God blesses those who trust Him and follow Him with real actions.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent is a time to reflect on obedience. Do I only hear God’s call, or do I truly follow it? God invites everyone to listen, trust, and take action. Those who do will find peace in Him.

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Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent is a time to look at how faith is lived out. Do actions match words? God calls everyone to be honest, to seek justice, and to truly follow Him. He offers mercy to those who turn back to Him. Choosing what is right may not always be easy, but it leads to peace and joy in God.

Prayer

Lord, help me to live with honesty and truth. Let my actions show my faith. Teach me to follow You with a sincere heart. When I fail, give me the strength to turn back to You. Guide me to choose what is right, even when it is hard. Thank You for Your mercy and love. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• Do my actions match my words when it comes to faith?
• How can I live with more fairness and honesty in daily life?
• What areas of my life need real change, not just good intentions?
• How can I listen to God more closely and follow His call?

Saying Yes to God

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent shares the story of two sons who respond differently to their father’s request. One son says yes but does nothing. The other says no but later obeys. Deacon Miller reflects on why the first son refused to act. He suggests that the son may have felt overwhelmed by the work. Sometimes, saying yes to God seems easy at first, but when the cost becomes clear, people hesitate.

Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent reminds people that both sons exist in everyone. It is easy to promise to follow God but harder to act. True obedience means pushing past fear and doing what is right. Deacon Miller encourages reflection during Advent. He invites people to prepare their hearts and commit to God’s work. No matter how difficult the task, God gives strength to follow through.

What date is Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent?

The next date is December 16, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent?

The Mass readings for December 16, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13: The Purification of the People
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 34: The Lord Heeds the Cry of the Poor
Gospel – Matthew 21:28-32: The Parable of the Two Sons

Why does Zephaniah warn the people?

Zephaniah warns the people because they have turned away from God. They refuse to listen and do what is right.

What does God promise in Zephaniah?

God promises to gather people who are humble and faithful. He will bless those who trust in Him.

Why does Jesus tell the parable of the two sons?

Jesus tells this parable to show that actions matter more than words. Obeying God is more important than just saying the right things.

What lesson can we learn from the two sons?

The lesson is that it is never too late to do what is right. Even if someone refuses at first, they can still choose to follow God.

Why does Jesus say that sinners will enter God’s kingdom before others?

Jesus says this because some religious leaders do not listen to God. Meanwhile, people who once sinned turn back to God and do what is right.

How does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent teach about humility?

The readings show that God blesses those who are humble. He calls people to trust in Him instead of relying on their own pride.

What does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent say about repentance?

The readings teach that real repentance is shown through actions. Saying sorry is not enough without a change in behavior.

How does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent help us prepare for Christmas?

The readings remind people to turn away from sin and follow God. This helps them make room for Jesus in their lives.

What does Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent teach about God’s mercy?

The readings show that God gives people chances to change. He welcomes those who turn back to Him.

How can we apply these readings to our daily lives?

We can listen to God and do what is right. We should not just say we will follow Him but actually live out His teachings.