Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 10 October 2028

13 For you have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion: how that, beyond measure, I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it.

14 And I made progress in the Jews’ religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more abundantly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when it pleased him, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, immediately I condescended not to flesh and blood.

17 Neither went I to Jerusalem, to the apostles who were before me: but I went into Arabia, and again I returned to Damascus.

18 Then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and I tarried with him fifteen days.

19 But other of the apostles I saw none, saving James the brother of the Lord.

20 Now the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.

21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22 And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ:

23 But they had heard only: He, who persecuted us in times past, doth now preach the faith which once he impugned:

24 And they glorified God in me.

R. (24b) Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

1 Lord, thou hast proved me, and known me:

2 Thou hast know my sitting down, and my rising up.

3 Thou hast understood my thoughts afar off: my path and my line thou hast searched out.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast protected me from my mother’s womb.

14ab I will praise thee, for thou art fearfully magnified: wonderful are thy works.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

14c My soul knoweth right well.

15 My bone is not hidden from thee, which thou hast made in secret: and my substance in the lower parts of the earth.

R. Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

28 Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

38 Now it came to pass as they went, that he entered into a certain town: and a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord’s feet, heard his word.

40 But Martha was busy about much serving. Who stood and said: Lord, hast thou no care that my sister hath left me alone to serve? speak to her therefore, that she help me.

41 And the Lord answering, said to her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, and art troubled about many things:

42 But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.

God knows us more deeply than we know ourselves: our beginnings, our thoughts, our paths, and even the places where we have gone astray. Paul’s life shows how completely grace can redirect a person. The one who once persecuted the Church became a preacher of the faith he had opposed. His mission began with God’s revelation of Christ, received before it was carried into action.

In Martha and Mary, we see the same priority. Martha’s service is real and generous, yet anxiety has crowded out attention to the Lord. Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet and hear his word. This is the “better part” because Christian service must grow from listening. The Alleluia joins these readings together: blessed are those who hear God’s word and observe it. Listening is not passivity; it is the place where Christ reshapes our hearts and sends us along his way. Before rushing to accomplish good things, we can pause to receive the Lord’s word in prayer and allow it to guide our work. The God who knew Paul from his mother’s womb also knows us completely, and his grace can make our lives fruitful in ways we could not foresee.

Lord Jesus, you know me completely and see every path I take. Quiet the many thoughts and concerns that keep me from listening to you. Give me Mary’s attentive heart, ready to receive your word, and Martha’s willingness to serve when you call. Let your grace heal what is mistaken in me, as it transformed Paul, and guide my life along your everlasting way. May my actions arise from prayer, humility, and trust rather than anxiety or self-importance. Make me faithful in hearing your word and living it each day. Amen.