Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 15 February 2028

12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been proved, he shall receive a crown of life, which God hath promised to them that love him.

13 Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils, and he tempteth no man.

14 But every man is tempted by his own concupiscence, being drawn away and allured.

15 Then when concupiscence hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. But sin, when it is completed, begetteth death.

16 Do not err, therefore, my dearest brethren.

17 Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration.

18 For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creatures.

R. (12a) Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

12 Blessed is the man whom thou shalt instruct, O Lord: and shalt teach him out of thy law.

13a That thou mayst give him rest from the evil days.

R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

14 For the Lord will not cast off his people: neither will he forsake his own inheritance.

15 Until justice be turned into judgment: and they that are near it are all the upright in heart.

R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

18 If I said: My foot is moved: thy mercy, O Lord, assisted me.

19 According to the multitude of my sorrows in my heart, thy comforts have given joy to my soul.

R. Blessed the man you instruct, O Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

23 Whoever loves me will keep my word, says the Lord; and my Father will love him and we will come to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

14 And they forgot to take bread; and they had but one loaf with them in the ship.

15 And he charged them, saying: Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod.

16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying: Because we have no bread.

17 Which Jesus knowing, saith to them: Why do you reason, because you have no bread? do you not yet know nor understand? have you still your heart blinded?

18 Having eyes, see you not? and having ears, hear you not? neither do you remember.

19 When I broke the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments took you up? They say to him, Twelve.

20 When also the seven loaves among four thousand, how many baskets of fragments took you up? And they say to him, Seven.

21 And he said to them: How do you not yet understand?

The disciples have seen Jesus multiply bread, yet when they find themselves with only one loaf, they worry about having nothing to eat. Their problem is more than forgetfulness; they have not yet understood what his signs reveal. Jesus warns them about the “leaven” of the Pharisees and Herod—the influence of hearts that resist God, seek their own way, or rely on power rather than trust. Anxiety has narrowed the disciples’ vision, so they fail to recognize the Lord who has already provided for them.

James shows how this blindness can begin within us. God does not lead us into sin; temptation grows when our own desires draw us away. Yet every good gift comes from the Father, who does not change or abandon his people. The psalm calls blessed the person whom God teaches, because divine instruction steadies the feet and brings comfort amid sorrow. Remembering is therefore part of faith: remembering Christ’s faithfulness, listening to his word, and allowing it to shape our desires. When fear or temptation presses in, we can pause and recall what God has already given. A heart trained by his word becomes able to see beyond the immediate lack and trust the Giver.

Father of lights, give me a teachable heart. When fear, desire, or self-reliance distorts my vision, help me remember your faithful care and the gifts you have already placed in my life. Keep me from the leaven that hardens the heart and turns me away from your word. Teach me to recognize temptation early, to resist it with your grace, and to remain attentive to Jesus. Strengthen my trust when I feel poor in resources or uncertain in spirit. May your mercy steady my steps, and may love for Christ lead me to keep his word. Amen.