Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 8 July 2028

11 In that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, that is fallen: and I will close up the breaches of the walls thereof, and repair what was fallen: and I will rebuild it as in the days of old.

12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all nations, because my name is invoked upon them: saith the Lord that doth these things.

13 Behold the days come, saith the Lord, when the ploughman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed: and the mountains shall drop sweetness, and every hill shall be tilled.

14 And I will bring back the captivity of my people Israel: and they shall build the abandoned cities, and inhabit them: and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine of them: and shall make gardens, and eat the fruits of them.

15 And I will plant them upon their own land: and I will no more pluck them out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.

R. (9b) The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

9ab I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me: for he will speak peace unto his people.

10 Surely his salvation is near to them that fear him: that glory may dwell in our land.

R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

11 Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed.

12 Truth is sprung out of the earth: and justice hath looked down from heaven.

R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

13 For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit.

14 Justice shall walk before him: and shall set his steps in the way.

R. The Lord speaks of peace to his people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

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

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying: Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but thy disciples do not fast?

15 And Jesus said to them: Can the children of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast.

16 And nobody putteth a piece of raw cloth unto an old garment. For it taketh away the fullness thereof from the garment, and there is made a greater rent.

17 Neither do they put new wine into old bottles. Otherwise the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish. But new wine they put into new bottles: and both are preserved.

God’s promise is not simply to repair what has been damaged, but to make life fruitful again. He rebuilds what has fallen, restores his people to their land, and causes the earth to yield abundance. The psalm shows the character of this restoration: mercy and truth meet, justice and peace embrace, and goodness becomes fruitful in the world. God’s peace is not an empty calm; it is the harmony that grows when his truth and justice are welcomed.

Jesus reveals that this renewal is present in him, the Bridegroom. His disciples cannot remain confined to old patterns when the living Lord is among them. There is a time for fasting, but Christian practice must remain open to the new wine of Christ’s grace. We hear his voice, follow him, and allow him to reshape our habits, priorities, and relationships. The Lord may be repairing something in us or among us, yet his work requires a heart flexible enough to receive it. When we hold together truth, mercy, prayer, and obedient listening, God’s promised peace begins to bear fruit in ordinary life.

Lord Jesus, faithful Bridegroom, speak your peace into our hearts. Help us hear your voice and follow you with trusting obedience. Where our lives have been wounded or divided, bring your restoring mercy. Give us courage to release habits and attitudes that keep us closed to your grace, and make us receptive to the new work you desire to begin. Teach us to join fasting, prayer, truth, and justice with a generous love that bears good fruit. May your mercy and peace shape our homes, our communities, and our service. Amen.