Sunday Mass Companion
Point toward the light
Third Sunday of Advent · December 13, 2026 · John 1:6–8, 19–28
Gospel · John 1:6–8, 19–28
Point toward the light
John the Baptist is sent to testify to the light while making clear that he is not the Christ. When questioned about his identity, he calls himself a voice preparing the Lord’s way.
Bring it into ordinary life
Christian witness is not the art of making ourselves look important. John knows both his task and his limits: he uses his voice, then points beyond himself to Christ. Gaudete Sunday’s joy can take the same shape in a household. Notice one sign of God’s goodness, name it honestly and invite someone else to share in it. Joy need not deny grief or force cheerfulness. It can be a steady testimony that Christ is near, goodness is worth seeking and another person’s light does not diminish our own.
With younger children
How can you help someone notice something good without needing all the attention?
With older children
What is the difference between pointing toward Christ and building a religious image for ourselves?
One action this week
Let the Gospel take shape
Name one sign of hope you have noticed, then encourage the person whose faithful action helped make it visible.
Pray together
Jesus, true Light, make our joy honest and our witness humble. Help us notice Your goodness, use our voices well and point beyond ourselves to You. Amen.
An original prayer for personal and family use.
All of this Sunday’s reading references
- Isaiah 61:1–2a, 10–11
- Luke 1:46–50, 53–54
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
- John 1:6–8, 19–28
Read these passages in your Bible before Mass. On Sunday, our companion site also offers the day’s readings for personal prayer.
Today’s readings on Life of the SaintsThe companion uses the World English Bible, whose wording differs from the approved U.S. Mass lectionary.
Sources & reading notes
Original reflection by Life of a Catholic. Scripture references follow the U.S. Roman Catholic calendar; local celebrations may differ.
USCCB: reading reference (opens in a new tab)↗