Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 3 February 2027

4 For you have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:

5 And you have forgotten the consolation, which speaketh to you, as unto children, saying: My son, neglect not the discipline of the Lord; neither be thou wearied whilst thou art rebuked by him.

6 For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth; and he scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 Persevere under discipline. God dealeth with you as with his sons; for what son is there, whom the father doth not correct?

11 Now all chastisement for the present indeed seemeth not to bring with it joy, but sorrow: but afterwards it will yield, to them that are exercised by it, the most peaceable fruit of justice.

12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees,

13 And make straight steps with your feet: that no one, halting, may go out of the way; but rather be healed.

14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness: without which no man shall see God.

15 Looking diligently, lest any man be wanting to the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up do hinder, and by it many be defiled.

R. (17) The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless his holy name.

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all he hath done for thee.

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

13 As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him:

14 For he knoweth our frame. He remembereth that we are dust:

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

17 But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon them that fear him: And his justice unto children’s children,

18a To such as keep his covenant.

R. The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And going out from thence, he went into his own country; and his disciples followed him.

2 And when the sabbath was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were in admiration at his doctrine, saying: How came this man by all these things? and what wisdom is this that is given to him, and such mighty works as are wrought by his hands?

3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joseph, and Jude, and Simon? are not also his sisters here with us? And they were scandalized in regard of him.

4 And Jesus said to them: A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and in his own house, and among his own kindred.

5 And he could not do any miracles there, only that he cured a few that were sick, laying his hands upon them.

6 And he wondered because of their unbelief, and he went through the villages round about teaching.

God’s love does not leave us unchanged. The first reading speaks of discipline that may bring sorrow at present, yet later bears the peaceful fruit of justice. This correction is not rejection; it is the care of a Father who knows our weakness and desires our holiness. The psalm deepens this trust: the Lord remembers that we are dust, and his kindness remains everlasting.

Yet the Gospel shows how easily grace can be resisted. The people of Jesus’ own country recognize his wisdom and mighty works, but familiarity becomes an obstacle to faith. They see the carpenter and Mary’s son, but fail to receive the One who is teaching them. Their unbelief limits what they are willing to welcome, while Jesus continues teaching elsewhere. Christ still comes to us through ordinary voices, necessary correction, and truths we may prefer to avoid. A humble heart listens for his voice, accepts the healing he offers, and refuses to let bitterness take root. When God corrects our steps, he is leading us toward peace rather than away from it.

Father of mercy, you know our weakness and remember that we are dust. Give us humble hearts that recognize your voice, even when it comes through correction or through familiar people and ordinary circumstances. Keep us from the unbelief that closes us to your grace. Heal the places where resentment or bitterness has taken root, and strengthen our tired hands and wavering steps. Through Jesus, teach us to follow you with trust, to welcome your discipline as loving care, and to pursue peace and holiness each day. May your everlasting kindness lead us into deeper faith. Amen.