Mass Readings for December 7, 2023

Isaiah 26:1-6
Psalms 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27
Matthew 7:21,24-27

Isaiah 26:1-6
(1) In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: “We have a strong city. God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks. (2) Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter: the one which keeps faith. (3) You will keep whoever’s mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because he trusts in you. (4) Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock. (5) For he has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city. He lays it low. He lays it low even to the ground. He brings it even to the dust. (6) The foot shall tread it down; Even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy.”

Psalms 118:1,8-9,19-21,25-27
(1) Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever. (8) It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in man. (9) It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in princes. (19) Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to Yah. (20) This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it. (21) I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation. (25) Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh! Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now. (26) Blessed is he who comes in Yahweh’s name! We have blessed you out of Yahweh’s house. (27) Yahweh is God, and he has given us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

Matthew 7:21,24-27
(21) Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (24) “Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. (25) The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock. (26) Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn’t do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand. (27) The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”