Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 13 October 2028

7 Know ye therefore, that they who are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

8 And the scripture, foreseeing, that God justifieth the Gentiles by faith, told unto Abraham before: In thee shall all nations be blessed.

9 Therefore they that are of faith, shall be blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse. For it is written: Cursed is every one, that abideth not in all things, which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 But that in the law no man is justified with God, it is manifest: because the just man liveth by faith.

12 But the law is not of faith: but, He that doth those things, shall live in them.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written: Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus: that we may receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just: and in the congregation.

2 Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

3 His work is praise and magnificence: and his justice continueth for ever and ever.

4 He hath made a remembrance of his wonderful works, being a merciful and gracious Lord:

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

5 He hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:

6 He will shew forth to his people the power of his works.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

31b-32 The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

15 But some of them said: He casteth out devils by Beelzebub, the prince of devils.

16 And others tempting, asked of him a sign from heaven.

17 But he seeing their thoughts, said to them: Every kingdom divided against itself, shall be brought to desolation, and house upon house shall fall.

18 And if Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because you say, that through Beelzebub I cast out devils.

19 Now if I cast out devils by Beelzebub; by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges.

20 But if I by the finger of God cast out devils; doubtless the kingdom of God is come upon you.

21 When a strong man armed keepeth his court, those things are in peace which he possesseth.

22 But if a stronger than he come upon him, and overcome him; he will take away all his armour wherein he trusted, and will distribute his spoils.

23 He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth.

24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places without water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: I will return into my house whence I came out.

25 And when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished.

26 Then he goeth and taketh with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. And the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.

God’s covenant is remembered through the saving work of Christ. Those who live by faith are joined to the blessing promised to Abraham, and Christ frees us from the curse that the law cannot remove. The psalm praises God as merciful and faithful, the One who gives food to those who fear him and keeps his covenant forever. His faithfulness reaches its fullness in Jesus, lifted up to draw all people to himself.

In the Gospel, Jesus reveals that the kingdom of God has arrived because he is stronger than the evil one. His victory, however, calls for a clear response: “He that is not with me, is against me.” A life freed from evil cannot remain spiritually empty. The unclean spirit returns to a house that has been swept and left unoccupied, and the person’s condition becomes worse. Faith therefore means more than receiving deliverance; it means belonging to Christ and allowing God’s Spirit to dwell within us. Each day, we can renew that belonging through prayer, obedience, and trust, making room for the Lord whose covenant never fails.

Faithful God, you remember your covenant forever and have blessed us through Jesus Christ. Thank you for the victory of your Son, who is stronger than every power that seeks to enslave us. Deliver us from evil, and keep our hearts from becoming empty after we have received your mercy. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, so that our thoughts, choices, and actions may belong wholly to Christ. Strengthen our faith when we are tempted to doubt, and teach us to gather with Jesus in love, obedience, and steadfast hope. Amen.