Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 15 May 2027

16 And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.

17 And after the third day, he called together the chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the people, or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans;

18 Who, when they had examined me, would have released me, for that there was no cause of death in me;

19 But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had any thing to accuse my nation of.

20 For this cause therefore I desired to see you, and to speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain.

30 And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging; and he received all that came in to him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.

R. (7b) The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

4 The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes look on the poor man: his eyelids examine the sons of men.

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

5 The Lord trieth the just and the wicked: but he that loveth iniquity hateth his own soul.

7 For the Lord is just, and hath loved justice: his countenance hath beheld righteousness.

R. The just will gaze on your face, O Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

7, 13 I will send to you the Spirit of truth, says the Lord; he will guide you to all truth.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

20 Peter turning about, saw that disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: Lord, who is he that shall betray thee?

21 Him therefore when Peter had seen, he saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do?

22 Jesus saith to him: So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? follow thou me.

23 This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: He should not die; but, So I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee?

24 This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath written these things; and we know that his testimony is true.

25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did; which, if they were written every one, the world itself, I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.

Jesus gently frees Peter from the burden of comparing his path with another disciple’s. “What is it to thee? Follow thou me.” The Lord does not explain every vocation or reveal every detail of another person’s life. He gives Peter the grace needed for his own fidelity. The Spirit of truth continues this work in the Church, guiding Christ’s disciples beyond speculation and misunderstanding into faithful obedience.

Paul embodies that obedience. Even under guard and confined to his lodging, he receives all who come and confidently proclaims the kingdom of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. His circumstances do not cancel his mission. The Lord, whose eyes examine all and whose countenance beholds righteousness, sees the truth of his witness. These readings ask us to release our fixation on another person’s calling, progress, or trials. Our task is simpler and more demanding: to follow Christ faithfully where he has placed us, trusting the Spirit to lead us and God to see what others may not. A life centered on that call can still bear abundant witness, even within limits.

Lord Jesus, deliver me from comparison and from the need to understand every path but my own. Give me the humility to hear your command, “Follow me,” and the courage to obey it faithfully. Holy Spirit, guide me into truth when I am confused, distracted, or tempted to judge another’s calling. Strengthen me to bear witness to your kingdom in the circumstances of my life, as Paul preached with confidence even while confined. Father, look upon me with mercy and make my heart love what is just. Keep my eyes fixed on Christ and my steps steady in his service. Amen.