Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 15 January 2027

1 Let us fear therefore lest the promise being left of entering into his rest, any of you should be thought to be wanting.

2 For unto us also it hath been declared, in like manner as unto them. But the word of hearing did not profit them, not being mixed with faith of those things they heard.

3 For we, who have believed, shall enter into rest; as he said: As I have sworn in my wrath; If they shall enter into my rest; and this indeed when the works from the foundation of the world were finished.

4 For in a certain place he spoke of the seventh day thus: And God rested the seventh day from all his works.

5 And in this place again: If they shall enter into my rest.

11 Let us hasten therefore to enter into that rest; lest any man fall into the same example of unbelief.

R. (7b) Do not forget the works of the Lord!

3 How great things have we heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4bc They have not been hidden from their children, in another generation. Declaring the praises of the Lord, and his powers, and his wonders which he hath done.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

6c The children that should be born and should rise up, and declare them to their children.

7 That they may put their hope in God and may not forget the works of God: and may seek his commandments.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

8 That they may not become like their fathers, a perverse and exasperating generation. A generation that set not their heart aright: and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

R. Do not forget the works of the Lord!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And again he entered into Capharnaum after some days.

2 And it was heard that he was in the house, and many came together, so that there was no room; no, not even at the door; and he spoke to them the word.

3 And they came to him, bringing one sick of the palsy, who was carried by four.

4 And when they could not offer him unto him for the multitude, they uncovered the roof where he was; and opening it, they let down the bed wherein the man sick of the palsy lay.

5 And when Jesus had seen their faith, he saith to the sick of the palsy: Son, thy sins are forgiven thee.

6 And there were some of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts:

7 Why doth this man speak thus? he blasphemeth. Who can forgive sins, but God only?

8 Which Jesus presently knowing in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, saith to them: Why think you these things in your hearts?

9 Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins are forgiven thee; or to say: Arise, take up thy bed, and walk?

10 But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)

11 I say to thee: Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house.

12 And immediately he arose; and taking up his bed, went his way in the sight of all; so that all wondered and glorified God, saying: We never saw the like.

The word of God asks for more than attentive hearing. It seeks a faith that remembers what the Lord has done and entrusts itself to his promise. The psalm warns against becoming a people whose hearts are not faithful, while the letter urges us to hasten toward God’s rest rather than repeat the unbelief of those who came before us. Faith keeps the memory of God’s works alive and allows his word to take root.

In the house at Capernaum, that faith becomes visible. Four people carry a suffering man to Jesus, refusing to let the crowd become the final word. Their determined love brings him into the Lord’s presence, where Jesus first forgives his sins and then restores his body. Christ reveals that the deepest rest is reconciliation with God, and that he possesses divine authority to give it. The healed man rises, carries the very bed that once carried him, and returns home. We can bring others to Christ through prayer, mercy, and faithful action, trusting that his forgiveness reaches deeper than any outward need.

Lord Jesus, keep our hearts faithful to your word. Save us from forgetting your works or allowing doubt to close us to your promise. Give us the faith of those who carried the paralyzed man, so that we may bring others into your presence with patient love and courageous prayer. Forgive our sins and heal whatever keeps us from rising freely to serve you. Teach us to rest in your mercy and to remember your goodness, declaring it to those who come after us. May our lives glorify you. Amen.