Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 11 October 2028

1 Then, after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

2 And I went up according to revelation; and communicated to them the gospel, which I preach among the Gentiles, but apart to them who seemed to be some thing: lest perhaps I should run, or had run in vain.

7 But contrariwise, when they had seen that to me was committed the gospel of the uncircumcision, as to Peter was that of the circumcision.

8 (For he who wrought in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, wrought in me also among the Gentiles.)

9 And when they had known the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship: that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision:

10 Only that we should be mindful of the poor: which same thing also I was careful to do.

11 But when Cephas was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12 For before that some came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them who were of the circumcision.

13 And to his dissimulation the rest of the Jews consented, so that Barnabas also was led by them into that dissimulation.

14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly unto the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all: If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of the Gentiles, and not as the Jews do, how dost thou compel the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

1 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.

R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

2 For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.

R. Go out to all the world, and tell the Good News.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

15bc You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And it came to pass, that as he was in a certain place praying, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him: Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.

2 And he said to them: When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come.

3 Give us this day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.

Jesus teaches his disciples to begin with “Father.” Prayer rests on the truth that God’s mercy has made us his children, able to approach him with trust and dependence. We ask for his name to be honored, his kingdom to come, our daily bread, forgiveness, and strength against temptation. These petitions shape the life of anyone who truly receives the Gospel.

Paul’s confrontation with Peter shows why this prayer must become visible in our conduct. Peter had shared table fellowship with Gentiles, then withdrew when others arrived, allowing fear to create a division that contradicted the truth of the Gospel. The Good News is meant for every nation, because the Lord’s mercy is confirmed upon all and his truth endures forever. To call God “Father” while treating others as outsiders is a contradiction we must bring honestly before him. Each day, the Lord gives us an opportunity to live as one family: receiving what we need, forgiving those indebted to us, and refusing the fear or social pressure that makes Christian love selective.

Father, hallowed be your name in our words, choices, and relationships. Give us today the bread and grace we need. Forgive our sins, especially the ways fear, pride, or concern for human approval can make us separate ourselves from others. Teach us to forgive as we have received mercy. Keep your Church faithful to the truth of the Gospel, united in love, and ready to proclaim your mercy to every people. Through Jesus Christ, make our lives a sincere witness that all who seek you may come to know you as Father. Amen.