📖 Readings for December 12, 2025 — Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
First Reading — Zechariah 2:14–17
“Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion! For behold, I come and I will dwell in your midst, says the LORD. Many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and they shall be His people… Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling.” The Bible
Responsorial Psalm — Judith 13:18bcde, 19
R. You are the highest honor of our race.
“Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth… Your deed of hope will never be forgotten by those who tell of the might of God.” Catholic Collectionary
Gospel — Luke 1:26–38
“In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God… to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, ‘Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.’ … ‘Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.’ … And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.’ ” gospeltodaycatholic.com
🌟 Verse of the Day
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” — Luke 1:38 gospeltodaycatholic.com
✨ Reflection — Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
I. Introduction
Today we celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe, a powerful expression of God’s presence among His people — especially the poor, the marginalized, and the humble. Through her appearance in Mexico and her words in Scripture, Mary reveals God’s closeness to humanity and His desire to dwell with us. Catholic Daily Readings
II. Gospel Passage and Its Context
In Luke’s account of the Annunciation, the angel Gabriel greets Mary with words that signal God’s favor: “Hail, full of grace!” Faced with an astounding message, Mary enters contemplation and responds with total trust:
“Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord…” gospeltodaycatholic.com
Her “yes” is not passive acceptance but active surrender — a readiness to cooperate fully with God’s plan. It becomes a model for all believers: to respond to God’s invitation with openness and faith.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance
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The reading from Zechariah prophesies a future when God will dwell among His people — an anticipation of Christ dwelling in humanity. The Bible
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The responsorial psalm praises Mary as “blessed… above all women,” acknowledging her unique place in salvation history and her faithful obedience. Catholic Collectionary
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The Gospel shows how God’s redemptive plan unfolds from divine initiative and human consent.
Together, these readings remind us that God desires to live among us — not as a distant sovereign, but as an intimate companion. His plan involves our cooperation, just as Mary cooperated.
IV. Reflection
Mary’s faith shows us how to trust deeply in God’s word. She did not fully know all that would happen, yet her faith led her to say yes.
In a world of uncertainty and distraction, her example invites us to respond to God’s invitations with courage and surrender.
Wherever God is calling you — toward forgiveness, greater love, peace in your heart, compassion for others — may you, like Mary, say:
“Let it be done according to Your word.”
V. Practical Applications
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Receive God’s will today with trust — even if you don’t see the full picture.
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Pray for the grace of openness: ask God to soften your heart to be receptive to His call.
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Show mercy like Mary: find one act of kindness you can do without hesitation.
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Entrust your struggles to God — He dwells with you and guides you step by step.
🙏 Prayer for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Heavenly Father,
On this blessed feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we thank You for giving us Mary as a model of faith and trust.
As Gabriel greeted her with words of grace, let Your word greet us in our lives with hope and courage.
Teach us to say with unwavering trust: “Let it be done to me according to Your word.” gospeltodaycatholic.com
Bless our families, our friends, and all who seek Your presence today.
We pray especially for protection and peace in our beloved Philippines — keep every heart safe, every home secure, and every soul open to Your will.
Help us to embrace Your plans with humility and joy, even when they challenge us.
Mary, Mother of God and Our Mother,
Guide us to carry Christ in our hearts and share His love with everyone we meet.
Amen. 💫
💬 Reflection Thought for Today
“When God calls, He empowers. When God invites, He accompanies. When God sends, He never leaves.”
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