Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 14 March 2027

31 Behold the days shall come, saith the Lord, and I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Juda:

32 Not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt: the covenant which they made void, and I had dominion over them, saith the Lord.

33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord: I will give my law in their bowels, and I will write it in their heart: and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying: Know the Lord: for all shall know me from the least of them even to the greatest, saith the Lord: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

R. (12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.

3 Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy great mercy. And according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my iniquity.

4 Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

12 Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

13 Cast me not away from thy face; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

14 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and strengthen me with a perfect spirit.

15 I will teach the unjust thy ways: and the wicked shall be converted to thee.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

7 Who in the days of his flesh, with a strong cry and tears, offering up prayers and supplications to him that was able to save him from death, was heard for his reverence.

8 And whereas indeed he was the Son of God, he learned obedience by the things which he suffered:

9 And being consummated, he became, to all that obey him, the cause of eternal salvation.

26 Whoever serves me must follow me, says the Lord; and where I am, there also will my servant be.

20 Now there were certain Gentiles among them, who came up to adore on the festival day.

21 These therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying: Sir, we would see Jesus.

22 Philip cometh, and telleth Andrew. Again Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

23 But Jesus answered them, saying: The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

24 Amen, amen I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falling into the ground die,

25 Itself remaineth alone. But if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world, keepeth it unto life eternal.

26 If any man minister to me, let him follow me; and where I am, there also shall my minister be. If any man minister to me, him will my Father honour.

27 Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour. But for this cause I came unto this hour.

28 Father, glorify thy name. A voice therefore came from heaven: I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.

29 The multitude therefore that stood and heard, said that it thundered. Others said: An angel spoke to him.

30 Jesus answered, and said: This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.

31 Now is the judgment of the world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things to myself.

33 (Now this he said, signifying what death he should die.)

“Sir, we would see Jesus.” That request opens onto the mystery of the new covenant. Jesus reveals that he will be seen most truly when he is lifted up on the cross. Like a grain of wheat entering the earth, he gives himself through suffering and death, and his self-offering bears abundant fruit. His obedience becomes the source of eternal salvation, and from the cross he draws all people to himself.

God’s covenant is not written merely on tablets or held at a distance; he writes his law within the heart and promises forgiveness. The psalm gives us the fitting response: “Create a clean heart in me, O God.” To follow Jesus means allowing that new heart to be formed in us through trust, repentance, and service. We cannot cling tightly to our own life and remain fruitful. Each time we surrender pride, resentment, comfort, or the need to control, we make room for Christ’s life. The Father who glorified the Son will also honor those who serve him. Our prayer for a clean heart is therefore also a willingness to follow Jesus where love requires.

Lord Jesus, draw me to yourself, especially when the path of faithful love becomes difficult. Write your law within my heart, cleanse me from sin, and renew in me a steadfast spirit. Teach me the obedience you lived through suffering, so that I may serve without seeking recognition and surrender what keeps me from bearing fruit. When I fear losing what is familiar, deepen my trust in the Father’s love. Let your cross become the place where my heart is purified and my life is offered for others. Restore in me the joy of your salvation and keep me close to you. Amen.