Daily Mass Readings – Monday, 13 November 2028

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:

2 Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:

3 But hath in due times manifested his word in preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour:

4 To Titus my beloved son, according to the common faith, grace and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.

5 For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:

6 If any be without crime, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot, or unruly.

7 For a bishop must be without crime, as the steward of God: not proud, not subject to anger, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre:

8 But given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent:

9 Embracing that faithful word which is according to doctrine, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine, and to convince the gainsayers.

R. (6) Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

1b The earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.

2 For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

3 Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?

4ab The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

5 He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.

6 This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

R. Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

15d, 16a Shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And he said to his disciples: It is impossible that scandals should not come: but woe to him through whom they come.

2 It were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should scandalize one of these little ones.

3 Take heed to yourselves. If thy brother sin against thee, reprove him: and if he do penance, forgive him.

4 And if he sin against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day be converted unto thee, saying, I repent; forgive him.

5 And the apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith.

6 And the Lord said: If you had faith like to a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mulberry tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou transplanted into the sea: and it would obey you.

Faith becomes visible in the way we live with others. Paul describes a servant and steward of God as someone who embraces the truth, seeks godliness, welcomes others, remains gentle and self-controlled, and is able to encourage with sound teaching. The psalm gives the same direction: those who seek the face of God come with clean hands and a pure heart. Our longing for the Lord must take shape in a life that does not mislead or wound.

Jesus speaks with great seriousness about scandal, then places correction and forgiveness together. We must take care not to become a cause of another’s falling, and we must have the courage to reprove a brother or sister when necessary. Yet repentance is always met with forgiveness, even when it is sought again and again. The apostles respond, “Increase our faith,” because such faithful love exceeds our natural strength. Christ assures them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish what seems impossible. Holding firmly to the word of life, we can shine through humble example, truthful correction, and mercy that does not grow weary.

Lord Jesus, increase our faith. Keep us from causing others to stumble through pride, anger, selfishness, or careless words. Give us clean hearts and faithful hands, so that our lives may reflect the truth we profess. Teach us to correct with gentleness, to receive correction with humility, and to forgive each time repentance is offered. Make us faithful to your word of life, steadfast in hope, and generous in hospitality. May our conduct help others seek your face and discover your mercy. Through your grace, make our small faith fruitful. Amen.