Daily Mass Readings – Monday, 6 September 2027

24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up those things that are wanting of the sufferings of Christ, in my flesh, for his body, which is the church:

25 Whereof I am made a minister according to the dispensation of God, which is given me towards you, that I may fulfill the word of God:

26 The mystery which hath been hidden from ages and generations, but now is manifested to his saints,

27 To whom God would make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ, in you the hope of glory.

28 Whom we preach, admonishing every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

29 Wherein also I labour, striving according to his working which he worketh in me in power.

2:1 For I would have you know, what manner of care I have for you and for them that are at Laodicea, and whosoever have not seen my face in the flesh:

2 That their hearts may be comforted, being instructed in charity, and unto all riches of fulness of understanding, unto the knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and of Christ Jesus:

3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

R. (8) In God is my safety and my glory.

6 But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from him is my patience.

7 For he is my God and my saviour: he is my helper, I shall not be moved.

R. In God is my safety and my glory.

9 Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. God is our helper for ever.

R. In God is my safety and my glory.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 My sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

6 And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And there was a man, whose right hand was withered.

7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched if he would heal on the sabbath; that they might find an accusation against him.

8 But he knew their thoughts; and said to the man who had the withered hand: Arise, and stand forth in the midst. And rising he stood forth.

9 Then Jesus said to them: I ask you, if it be lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to destroy?

10 And looking round about on them all, he said to the man: Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth: and his hand was restored.

11 And they were filled with madness; and they talked one with another, what they might do to Jesus.

Christ reveals the heart of God by restoring what is withered. In the synagogue, Jesus does not allow fear of accusation or rigid interpretation to prevent an act of mercy. He brings the man into the midst and commands him, “Stretch forth thy hand.” The good that gives life cannot be postponed when compassion is needed.

Paul shows what it means to follow this voice. His ministry involves labor and suffering for the sake of Christ’s Body, the Church, yet his confidence is not in his own strength. “Christ, in you, the hope of glory,” is the mystery that sustains him. The psalm gives the same foundation: God is our safety, our helper, and our glory. Christian discipleship therefore asks for a listening heart and a readiness to act, even when doing good brings resistance. We may be called to offer mercy, speak truth, teach wisely, or serve patiently. The measure is not how others judge the action, but whether it accords with the life-giving will of Christ. When we place ourselves before him and stretch out what we have, his grace can make it useful for the healing of his Church.

Lord Jesus, you know the thoughts of every heart and see every place in us that has grown weak or withered. Teach us to hear your voice and follow you with courage. Free us from fear of judgment when love requires action, and make us attentive to those who need mercy. Sustain us when service becomes difficult, as you sustained your apostle in labor and suffering. Keep our hearts subject to God, our true safety and glory. Stretch forth your healing power through our hands, words, and faithful presence, so that your Church may be strengthened in charity. Amen.