TUESDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT | DECEMBER 16, 2025 |
CHRISTMAS NOVENA | DECEMBER 16TH –24TH | Day 1| Pray the Christmas Novena for 9 consecutive days starting today, December 16th. This novena is prayed in conjunction with the “O Antiphons,” of Advent | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/christmas-novena-december-16-24/
SAINTS OF THE DAY ~ FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 16, 2025 | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/category/saints-of-the-day
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ADELAIDE OF BURGUNDY, QUEEN | DECEMBER 16TH | Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Adelaide of Burgundy | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-december-16th/
Watch “Holy Mass and Holy Rosary | EWTN | December 16, 2025 | “Holy Mass from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | Pray “Holy Rosary Novena From Lourdes” | Pray “The Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song from the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy” | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/catholic-daily-mass-december-16-2025/
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
THE LITURGICAL YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/the-liturgical-year-in-the-catholic-church/
SAINT ANDREW’S CHRISTMAS NOVENA: [The Saint Andrew’s Christmas Novena prayer below is traditionally prayed 15 times a day from November 30, the Feast of Saint Andrew, through Christmas Eve] | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saints-of-the-dayfeast-day-november-30th/
Greetings and blessings, beloved family!
Today, Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Adelaide of Burgundy and begins the Christmas Novena with the ancient “O Antiphons.” As we draw closer to the birth of Christ, today’s readings invite us to humble repentance, sincere obedience, and renewed trust in God, who lifts up the lowly and calls His people to return to Him with faithful hearts.
We joyfully thank God for the gift of life and for leading us safely into the month of December. As we continue this sacred journey of faith, we give thanks for God’s boundless mercy and the hope of eternal life promised to those who believe in Him. May the witness of the Saints and the faith of our loved ones inspire us to live each day in holiness, humility, and love. This month of December, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, invites us to grow in grace and devotion, following her example of purity, obedience, and complete trust in God’s plan. Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, may God fill our hearts with hope, strengthen our faith, and guide us in holiness throughout this Advent season. May this month bring light to our minds, peace to our hearts, and strength to our souls. Amen 🙏🏽
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” ~ Matthew 5:4
We join our Holy Father Pope Leo XIV to pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our dear beloved late Pope Francis, the Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Religious who have gone to be with the Lord. We also remember in prayer all who began this journey of life with us but are no longer here. We pray for the gentle repose of the souls of our loved ones who recently passed away, and we continue to pray for the souls in Purgatory; lost souls. For the repose of the souls of all the faithful departed, may the Lord receive them into the light of Eternal Kingdom.
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His Saints.” ~ Psalm 116:15
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them. May their gentle souls through the mercy of God rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ… Amen 🙏🏽
PRAYER FOR THE DEAD: In your hands, O Lord, we humbly entrust our brothers and sisters. In this life, you embraced them with your tender love; deliver them now from every evil, and bid them eternal rest. The old order has passed away: welcome them into paradise, where there will be no sorrow, no weeping or pain, but fullness of peace and joy with your Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen🙏🏽✝️🕯✝️🕯✝️🕯
Lord Almighty, we lift our hearts in gratitude for Your unfailing love, protection, and mercy that carried us through the past months. We entrust the days of December into Your hands, asking for Your blessings, guidance, and peace upon our lives and families. May this month be for us a time of renewed faith, deeper hope, and overflowing joy. We pray especially for all families, for children, parents, and teachers, that they may be strengthened and protected. Bless those who will celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, new opportunities, and milestones this month, and comfort those who enter it with heavy hearts or struggles. Lord, go before us, walk beside us, and remain with us always, now and forever. Amen. 🙏🏽
Today, we humbly pray for the poor, abandoned, and those in need, for all those who are marginalized in our society. For those who are imprisoned, especially those who are unjustly imprisoned. We pray for charitable organizations, asking God’s blessing upon their mission and we lift our prayers for peace, love, justice and unity in our families, marriages and our world. May God protect us all and keep us safe and united in peace, love and faith. Amen 🙏🏽
Through the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary on this special Feast day, we lift our prayers for the protection, safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, educators, missionaries, pilots, and all travelers. We ask for healing for the sick and dying, especially those who are suffering from cancers and other terminal diseases, strength for the weary, peace in troubled homes, and provision for all in need. Guide our steps in righteousness, protect us from harm, and fill our hearts with faith, joy, and gratitude. May this month draw us closer to Your will, and may every day be a testimony of Your goodness and mercy in our lives. We begin this month with trust in Your unfailing love, Lord, and we surrender all that lies ahead into Your hands. Amen 🙏🏾
We continue to pray for the Church, the Clergy, our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, the Cardinals, Bishops, all Priests, that they be sanctified in their ministry to God’s people. We pray for persecuted Christians, for the conversion of sinners, and Christians all over the world suffering from political and religious unrest.
Through the intercession of St. Joseph, we pray for all fathers, mothers, workers, and all those who labor in this world. May the Lord bless the work of their hands, and may God’s grace and mercy be with us all during this season of Advent. Wishing us all and our loved ones a joyful, peaceful, and grace-filled month of December. 🙏🏽
ADVENT SEASON AND IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN THE LITURGICAL YEAR | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/advent-season-and-its-significance-in-the-liturgical-year/
Advent is the sacred four-week ŕ Year, inviting us to prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ and to look forward with hope to His Second Coming. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival,” reminding us that this season is marked by both joyful expectation and spiritual readiness. Traditionally, Advent is represented by the wreath and its four candles symbols of hope, peace, joy, and love, guiding us week by week as we reflect on the unfolding mystery of our salvation.
As we enter this holy season, the Church calls us to step back from the noise and hurry that often fill this time of year. Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas; it is a grace-filled invitation to renew our relationship with God, deepen our prayer life, and open our hearts to the transforming light of Christ. Through Scripture, quiet reflection, and acts of charity, we are encouraged to grow in faith and to make room for the Lord who desires to dwell within us. This season also reconnects us with the longings of God’s people throughout history, those who waited in hope for the Messiah and trusted in God’s promises even in times of darkness.
As we journey through these weeks, may Advent help us rediscover what truly matters: the gift of God’s love made flesh in Jesus Christ. May it inspire us to embrace a spirit of watchfulness, simplicity, and gratitude, allowing Christ’s light to shine through our words and actions. And as we prepare to celebrate His birth, may our hearts be renewed with the hope that He who came once in humility will come again in glory.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, as we begin this season of Advent, open our hearts to Your presence and fill us with the hope, peace, joy, and love that only You can give. Teach us to wait for You with faith, to prepare for You with sincerity, and to welcome You with humility and gratitude. May Your light guide our steps and renew our spirits as we journey toward Christmas. Amen 🙏🏾
ADVENT PRAYER – THIRD WEEK PRAYER: The joyful Sunday in Advent (known as “Gaudete”) is represented by rose (or pink) instead of the penitential purple color. Each night during the third week the mother of the family lights the pink, as well as the two previously burned purple candles, after the following prayer has been said.
LEADER: O Lord, we beg Thee, incline Thy ear to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our minds by the grace of Thy visitation. Through Christ our Lord.
ALL: Amen 🙏🏾
(The three candles are allowed to burn during the evening meals of the third week.)
SCRIPTURE REFLECTIONS:
Bible Readings for today’s Holy Mass, Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent | USCCB | https://bible.usccb.org/daily-bible-reading
Today’s Bible Readings: Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent | December 16, 2025
Reading 1: Zephaniah 3:1–2, 9–13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34:2–3, 6–7, 17–18, 19 and 23
Gospel: Matthew 21:28–32
Gospel Reading ~ Matthew 21:28–32
“Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you.”
“Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” They answered, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God before you. 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.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus challenges a dangerous illusion of righteousness: the belief that words alone are enough to please God. Through the simple parable of two sons, He reveals that obedience is proven not by promises, but by action. The first son initially refuses but later repents and does his father’s will. The second son speaks politely and respectfully but fails to act. Jesus makes it clear that true faith is not measured by appearance, titles, or religious language, but by repentance that leads to obedience.
Today’s Gospel confronts us with an uncomfortable truth. Those whom society often dismisses as sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of the religious leaders because they were willing to change their hearts. They listened to John the Baptist, recognized their need for conversion, and responded with humility. Meanwhile, those who believed themselves righteous refused to repent, clinging to pride and self-assurance. Advent invites us to examine not just what we say about God, but how we respond when His Word calls us to change. God desires hearts that are honest and willing, not perfect words without faithful action.
The First Reading from the prophet Zephaniah begins with a stern warning to a rebellious and polluted city that refuses correction and refuses to draw near to God. Yet the reading does not end in condemnation. Instead, it opens into a powerful promise of hope and restoration. God declares that He will purify the lips of the people so that they may call upon His name with one accord. He promises to remove pride and arrogance, leaving behind a humble and lowly remnant who will take refuge in Him. This remnant will live in truth, free from deceit and fear. Advent reminds us that God does not abandon His people; He purifies, restores, and renews those who are willing to return to Him. True renewal begins with humility and trust, not self-reliance.
The Responsorial Psalm echoes this message of hope and consolation: “The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” It assures us that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. This psalm becomes the prayer of all who recognize their need for God’s mercy. Unlike the proud who refuse correction, the poor in spirit cry out to the Lord and are heard. Advent teaches us that God’s saving work begins when we acknowledge our dependence on Him. When we turn to Him with sincerity, He rescues, redeems, and restores our lives.
As we reflect on the words of the Sacred Scriptures today, we are invited to examine our hearts: Am I like the first son, willing to repent and change when God challenges me? Or am I like the second son, saying the right words while resisting true obedience? Do I allow pride, fear, or complacency to prevent me from responding fully to God’s call? Am I open to conversion, especially when it requires humility and honest self-examination? As Advent continues, am I allowing God to purify my heart so that my words, actions, and faith align with His will? As we journey through this season of preparation, today’s Word calls us beyond empty promises and into genuine conversion. God desires not perfect appearances, but sincere hearts willing to change. The Kingdom of God is open to all who repent, trust, and act in obedience. Let us not delay our response to God’s call. May we have the courage to turn back to Him, to live what we profess, and to walk humbly in His ways. May God in His infinite grace and mercy, grant us His grace and as we await the coming of Christ, may our faith be proven not only in words, but in lives transformed by repentance, humility, and love. 🙏🏽
Lord God, You call us not only to speak words of faith, but to live them with sincerity and obedience. Purify our hearts, remove every trace of pride, and grant us the grace of true repentance. Teach us to do Your will with humility and trust, and help us to respond generously to Your call, even when it challenges us. As we prepare for the coming of Your Son, make us a people who listen, repent, and act according to Your truth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
MEMORIAL OF SAINT ADELAIDE OF BURGUNDY, QUEEN – FEAST DAY: DECEMBER 16TH: Today, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saint Adelaide of Burgundy, Queen and Holy Roman Empress, a woman of deep faith, resilience, and charity who faithfully served God amid political power, personal suffering, and family trials. Living during a turbulent era, Saint Adelaide bore the weight of widowhood, exile, betrayal, and responsibility with unwavering trust in God. As we journey through Advent, her life reminds us that holiness is not found in comfort or status, but in steadfast faith, mercy toward others, and perseverance in hope. Through her intercession, may we learn to surrender our struggles to God and prepare our hearts to welcome Christ with humility, courage, and generous love. 🙏🏾
Saint of the Day with Daily Reflections | December 16th https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com
(Direct link to the detailed history of Saint Adelaide of Burgundy | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/saint-of-the-day-feast-day-december-16th/)
SAINT ADELAIDE OF BURGUNDY, QUEEN: Saint Adelaide of Burgundy (931–999), also known as Saint Adelaide of Italy, was the daughter of King Rudolph II of Burgundy. Promised in marriage at a very young age for political reasons, she was married at sixteen to King Lothaire of Italy. After only three years of marriage, her husband was murdered, leaving her a young widow. Adelaide endured imprisonment and harsh treatment after refusing a second forced marriage meant to secure political power. Her suffering, however, did not extinguish her faith. She was rescued by Otto I, King of Germany, whom she later married. Together, they ruled wisely, and in 962, Pope John XII crowned Otto Holy Roman Emperor, with Adelaide crowned Empress. As queen and empress, Adelaide used her influence not for revenge or self-glory but for justice, charity, and the defense of the Church. She supported missionary work, strengthened monasteries, restored churches, and generously aided the poor.
After Otto’s death, Adelaide faced further hardship. She was twice exiled from court by her daughter-in-law, Empress Theophano, and experienced painful estrangement from her son, Otto II. Yet she remained patient, prayerful, and forgiving. Reconciled with her son before his death, she later served as regent for her young grandson, Otto III, guiding the empire with wisdom and faith. In her later years, Saint Adelaide withdrew from public life and devoted herself entirely to prayer at the Benedictine monastery she founded in Seltz, Alsace. She died peacefully on December 16, 999, having lived a life marked by perseverance, humility, mercy, and unwavering trust in God. She was canonized in 1097 by Pope Urban II. Saint Adelaide is the patron saint of widows, queens, empresses, abuse victims, prisoners, second marriages, step-parents, and those experiencing family difficulties. Despite her royal status, Saint Adelaide lived as a servant of God and neighbor. She teaches us that true greatness lies in faithfulness, forgiveness, and generous love, and that even in suffering and exile, God remains faithful to those who trust in Him.
PRAYER: O God, who blessed Saint Adelaide with strength in suffering, wisdom in leadership, and generosity toward the poor, grant that we may imitate her faith, patience, and charity. Help us to remain steadfast in hope amid trials and to serve You faithfully in every circumstance of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏾
Our Blessed Mother Mary and Saint Adelaide of Burgundy ~ pray for us, that we may prepare our hearts worthily for the coming of Christ. 🙏🏾
SAINT ANDREW PRAYER: St. Andrew Christmas Novena begins on the Feast of St. Andrew (November 30th). The following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the real focus of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, [here mention your request] through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen”🙏🏾
GENERAL PRAYERS AND INTENTIONS | PRAYERS FOR PEACE | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/general-prayers-and-intentions/
LIST OF ALL NOVENAS | Month of December | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/list-of-all-novenas-december/
COMMON CATHOLIC PRAYERS | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/common-catholic-prayers/
THE HOLY ROSARY: WHAT IS THE HOLY ROSARY AND WHY DO WE PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY? | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2024/11/21/the-holy-rosary-what-is-the-holy-rosary-and-why-do-we-pray-the-holy-rosary/
KIND REMINDER: JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE 2025 HOLY DOOR SCHEDULE TIMELINES | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/jubilee-of-hope-2025/
Please find below links to the websites for Daily Reflections, Foundation, and interesting topics and articles about our Catholic faith and doctrines | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/2025/01/30/daily-reflections-and-prayer-links/
THE POPE’S MONTHLY INTENTIONS FOR 2025: FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER: For Christians in areas of conflict. Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope.
(https://popesprayerusa.net/popes-intentions/)
DEVOTION OF THE MONTH OF DECEMBER | MONTH OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: December is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a celebration of God’s most wondrous work in preparing a pure and spotless Mother for His Son. From the first moment of her existence, Mary was preserved from the stain of Original Sin by a singular grace and privilege, in view of the merits of Christ’s saving passion. She is the “all-holy,” full of grace, the radiant dawn announcing the coming of our Savior, and the perfect model of what God desires for every Christian—a life transformed by grace.
This devotion reaches its summit on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, one of the most cherished Marian feasts of the Church. Throughout this month, the Church invites us to contemplate Mary’s unique call, her purity of heart, and her total openness to God’s will. As we enter the Advent season and prepare for the birth of Christ, Mary stands before us as the first and most faithful disciple—the woman whose “yes” changed the course of salvation history.
In honoring Mary Immaculate, we are drawn into the mystery of God’s redeeming love and reminded that holiness is possible for us too through God’s grace. May this month awaken in us a deeper devotion to the Mother of God and inspire us to imitate her virtues of humility, purity, obedience, and trust.
“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.” 🙏🏽
https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm?recnum=12540
PRAYER INTENTIONS: As we commemorate Saint Adelaide of Burgundy during this sacred season of Advent, we lift our hearts to God with trust and humility. We pray for the grace of true conversion, that like the first son in the Gospel, we may move beyond empty words and respond to God’s call with sincere obedience and action. In the spirit of the humble remnant described by the prophet Zephaniah, we pray for hearts free from pride, rebellion, and self-reliance, choosing instead to take refuge in the name of the Lord. Through the intercession of Saint Adelaide, we pray for widows and widowers, those in second marriages, families facing division, abuse victims, prisoners, and all who feel exiled or forgotten. We commend to God the poor, the suffering, the sick, and the brokenhearted, trusting in His promise that He hears the cry of the lowly. We also pray for peace in our families, integrity in leadership, faithfulness within the Church, and perseverance for all who seek to follow God’s will amid trials. May this Advent season renew our hope and prepare us to welcome Christ with repentant hearts and lives rooted in justice, humility, and love.
LET US PRAY:
My demanding Lord, every command You issue is a command of love. Though obedience to You is often initially challenging, help me to see the great value in it. Give me the courage and fidelity I need to hear Your voice, repent of my sin, and obey You in all things. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen 🙏🏽
Merciful and faithful God, You call us not only to speak Your will, but to live it with humble and obedient hearts. Purify us of pride and resistance, and make us a people who trust in Your name and delight in doing Your will. Through the intercession of Saint Adelaide of Burgundy, grant us strength in adversity, compassion for the vulnerable, and perseverance in faith. As we journey through Advent, help us to turn back to You with sincerity, so that our lives may bear witness to Your mercy and truth. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. 🙏🏽
Save Us, Savior of the World. Our Blessed Mother Mary, Saint Adelaide of Burgundy ~ Pray for us 🙏🏾
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us. Amen 🙏🏽
Thanking God for the precious gift of this new day, and on this Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent, may our hearts remain open to the quiet working of the Holy Spirit who continues to guide, renew, and strengthen us each day. As we begin the month of December, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past and entrust the days ahead into God’s loving hands. In this sacred season of hopeful expectation, may our Advent journey be filled with light, peace, safety, and the quiet joy that comes from knowing that Christ, our long-awaited Savior, walks with us always. Alleluia! May God grant journey mercies to all those traveling this week. Have a blessed, safe, grace-filled Tuesday, a fruitful season of Advent, a fulfilling week ahead and a peaceful month of December 🙏🏽
Blessings and Love always, Philomena 💖
Daily Reflections with Philomena | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | https://gliopiepehe.org
Sir G.L.I Opiepe’s Health and Education Foundation | Global Missions Now Awards |
https://youtu.be/gB31nuOFx0A?si=mSoZs-wiByhGs
North Texas Catholic Magazine | Dr. Philomena Ikowe – Life on Purpose (pages 44-45) | https://www.flipsnack.com/A9DFE877C6F/north-texas-catholic-magazine-mar-apr-issue-2025/full-view.html
Dr. Philomena Ikowe and Her Joyful Catholic Witness | Lights, Catholic, Action! | Podcast Interview | https://dailyreflectionswithphilomena.com/dr-philomena-ikowe-and-her-joyful-catholic-witness/