Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 6 March 2027

1 In their affliction they will rise early to me: Come, and let us return to the Lord:

2 For he hath taken us, and he will heal us: he will strike, and he will cure us.

3 He will revive us after two days: on the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. We shall know, and we shall follow on, that we may know the Lord. His going forth is prepared as the morning light, and he will come to us as the early and the latter rain to the earth.

4 What shall I do to thee, O Ephraim? what shall I do to thee, O Juda? your mercy is as a morning cloud, and as the dew that goeth away in the morning.

5 For this reason have I hewed them by the prophets, I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments shall go forth as the light.

6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice: and the knowledge of God more than holocausts.

R. (Hosea 6:6) It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.

3 Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

4 Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

R. It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.

18 For if thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would indeed have given it: with burnt offerings thou wilt not be delighted.

19 A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit: a contrite and humbled heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.

R. It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.

20 Deal favourably, O Lord, in thy good will with Sion; that the walls of Jerusalem may be built up.

21ab Then shalt thou accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings.

R. It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.

8 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

9 And to some who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others, he spoke also this parable:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.

12 I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.

God does not seek religious performance that leaves the heart unchanged. He calls his people to return to him, promising healing and new life, yet he also exposes how quickly our devotion can become as brief as a morning cloud. The Lord desires mercy, the knowledge of him, and a heart willing to hear his voice.

The two men in the temple reveal the difference between appearing before God and truly praying. The Pharisee speaks about his achievements while measuring himself against another person. The publican brings no defense, only the truth of his need: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” He goes home justified because humility has opened him to mercy. His prayer echoes the contrite heart that God does not despise. We can bring that same honesty to God, especially when pride makes us focus on the faults of others or trust in our own goodness. The Lord’s mercy is not earned by comparison or outward sacrifice; it is received by the heart that turns back to him. Hearing his voice today means allowing him to soften us, correct us, and teach us to show others the mercy we ourselves need.

Merciful God, I return to you with a humble and contrite heart. Heal what sin has wounded, and keep me from taking pride in my religious efforts or judging those who stand in need of your mercy. Give me grace to hear your voice without hardening my heart. Teach me to know you through compassion, repentance, and faithful love. When I am tempted to compare myself with others, turn my eyes back to you. May your mercy reshape my words, choices, and relationships, so that my life may become a sincere offering of love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.