Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 7 January 2028

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is he that came by water and blood, Jesus Christ: not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit which testifieth, that Christ is the truth.

7 And there are three who give testimony in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost. And these three are one.

8 And there are three that give testimony on earth: the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three are one.

9 If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony of God, which is greater, because he hath testified of his Son.

10 He that believeth in the Son of God, hath the testimony of God in himself. He that believeth not the Son, maketh him a liar: because he believeth not in the testimony which God hath testified of his Son.

11 And this is the testimony, that God hath given to us eternal life. And this life is in his Son.

12 He that hath the Son, hath life. He that hath not the Son, hath not life.

13 These things I write to you, that you may know that you have eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God.

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or

R. Alleluia.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.

13 Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates, he hath blessed thy children within thee.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or

R. Alleluia.

14 Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn.

15 Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: his word runneth swiftly.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or

R. Alleluia.

19 Who declareth his word to Jacob: his justices and his judgments to Israel.

20 He hath not done in like manner to every nation: and his judgments he hath not made manifest to them. Alleluia.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

23 Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

12 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy, who seeing Jesus, and falling on his face, besought him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

13 And stretching forth his hand, he touched him, saying: I will. Be thou cleansed. And immediately the leprosy departed from him.

14 And he charged him that he should tell no man, but, Go, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing according as Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.

15 But the fame of him went abroad the more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

16 And he retired into the desert, and prayed.

Faith in Jesus rests on God’s own testimony: Jesus is the Son, and in him eternal life is given. The Spirit, the water, and the blood bear witness to this truth, so belief is more than an idea we hold; it is receiving the life God offers in Christ. The man with leprosy approaches Jesus with a humble and honest prayer: “If you will, you can make me clean.” Jesus answers with equal clarity: “I will.” His word brings immediate healing.

Christ proclaims God’s kingdom by word and deed. The psalm celebrates the same God whose word runs swiftly, strengthens his people, and establishes peace. Yet Jesus does not allow the wonder of healing to replace communion with the Father. After serving the crowds, he withdraws to pray. We can bring our need to him with the leper’s trust, while learning from Jesus that every grace leads us deeper into obedience, gratitude, and prayer. His cleansing word still calls us to live as people who possess life in the Son.

Lord Jesus, Son of God, I believe that life is found in you. Look with mercy upon all that needs cleansing in me, and teach me to approach you with humility and trust. Speak your healing word into my heart, and give me courage to follow the path you show me. May your Spirit strengthen my faith when I am uncertain, and may your truth bring peace within me. Keep me close to the Father through prayer, so that every blessing I receive may lead to deeper obedience and grateful love. Amen.