Daily Mass Readings – Thursday, 7 December 2028

1 In that day shall this canticle be sung the land of Juda. Sion the city of our strength a saviour, a wall and a bulwark shall be set therein.

2 Open ye the gates, and let the just nation, that keepeth the truth, enter in.

3 The old error is passed away: thou wilt keep peace: peace, because we have hoped in thee.

4 You have hoped in the Lord for evermore, in the Lord God mighty for ever.

5 For he shall bring down them that dwell on high, the high city he shall lay low. He shall bring it down even to the ground, he shall pull it down even to the dust.

6 The foot shall tread it down, the feet of the poor, the steps of the needy.

R. (26a) Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 Give praise to Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

8 It is good to confide in the Lord, rather than to have confidence in man.

9 It is good to trust in the Lord, rather than to trust in princes.

R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

19 Open ye to me the gates of justice: I will go into them, and give praise to the Lord.

20 This is the gate of the Lord, the just shall enter into it.

21 I will give glory to thee because thou hast heard me: and art become my salvation.

R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

25 O Lord, save me: O Lord, give good success.

26 Blessed be he that cometh in the name Lord. We have blessed you out of the house of the Lord.

27a The Lord is God, and he hath shone upon us.

R. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

6 Seek the LORD while he may be found; call him while he is near.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

21 Not every one that saith to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my Father who is in heaven, he shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 Every one therefore that heareth these my words, and doth them, shall be likened to a wise man that built his house upon a rock,

25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell not, for it was founded on a rock.

26 And every one that heareth these my words, and doth them not, shall be like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand,

27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and they beat upon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall thereof.

The Scriptures place true security in the Lord, whose salvation is a wall and bulwark for his people. The gates are opened to the nation that keeps the truth, while the proud city is brought low and the feet of the poor and needy tread upon it. God’s peace belongs to those who hope in him rather than placing their confidence in human power. The psalm echoes this trust: the gate of the Lord is entered by the just, and the one who comes in his name brings salvation.

Jesus shows what such trust looks like in daily life. It is not enough to say, “Lord, Lord.” His words must become the foundation of our choices. Hearing and doing the Father’s will gives a person the stability of a house built on rock. Storms still come—the rain, floods, and winds are real—but obedience keeps faith from collapsing. The invitation is urgent and hopeful: seek the Lord while he may be found, and let his word move from our lips into our actions. Each act of truth, humility, mercy, and fidelity lays another stone on that firm foundation.

Lord God, you are our salvation and our lasting strength. Teach us to place our hope in you rather than in human power or passing security. Give us hearts that welcome your truth and courage to carry your words into our decisions, relationships, and responsibilities. When trials beat against us, keep us faithful to the foundation you provide. Lower whatever pride within us resists your will, and make us attentive to the needs of the poor and vulnerable. Jesus, help us seek you while you are near and follow you in deed as well as in speech. Amen.