Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 15 September 2028

16 For if I preach the gospel, it is no glory to me, for a necessity lieth upon me: for woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel.

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation is committed to me:

18 What is my reward then? That preaching the gospel, I may deliver the gospel without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For whereas I was free as to all, I made myself the servant of all, that I might gain the more.

22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak. I became all things to all men, that I might save all.

23 And I do all things for the gospel’s sake: that I may be made partaker thereof.

24 Know you not that they that run in the race, all run indeed, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain.

25 And every one that striveth for the mastery, refraineth himself from all things: and they indeed that they may receive a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible one.

26 I therefore so run, not as at an uncertainty: I so fight, not as one beating the air:

27 But I chastise my body, and bring it into subjection: lest perhaps, when I have preached to others, I myself should become a castaway.

R. (2) How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

3 My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God.

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

4 For the sparrow hath found herself a house, and the turtle a nest for herself where she may lay her young ones: Thy altars, O Lord of hosts, my king and my God.

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

5 Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, O Lord: they shall praise thee for ever and ever.

6 Blessed is the man whose help is from thee: in his heart he hath disposed to ascend by steps,

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

12 For God loveth mercy and truth: the Lord will give grace and glory. He will not deprive of good things them that walk in innocence.

R. How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord, mighty God!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary; without dying you won the Martyr’s crown beneath the Cross of the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen.

26 When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he saith to his mother: Woman, behold thy son.

27 After that, he saith to the disciple: Behold thy mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own.

Or

33 And his father and mother were wondering at those things which were spoken concerning him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted;

35 And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed.

Paul’s preaching is not a project undertaken for personal honor. The Gospel has taken hold of his whole life, making him servant of all and teaching him to spend himself for the salvation of others. He runs with purpose and disciplines himself so that, after preaching to others, he will remain faithful himself. His freedom becomes a gift.

Mary reveals the same faithful love at the Cross. Simeon had spoken of the sword that would pierce her soul, and she remains present when that prophecy is fulfilled. Jesus gives her to the beloved disciple, and gives the disciple to her; beneath the Cross, suffering does not destroy love but opens it into a new communion. The psalm’s longing for God’s dwelling place finds a human expression here: to remain near the Lord, even in sorrow, and to become a place of faithful love for others. Christian discipleship asks for this steady presence. We may serve without seeking recognition, accept the discipline of the Gospel, and remain close to Christ when faith is costly. In that persevering love, God gives grace and makes our lives part of his dwelling.

Lord Jesus, draw my heart toward your dwelling place and keep me near your Cross. Give me Mary’s faithful courage when sorrow pierces the heart, and Paul’s generous spirit in serving the Gospel. Free me from the desire for praise, teach me to become a servant of those entrusted to me, and strengthen me to persevere when discipleship demands sacrifice. May my life offer shelter, mercy, and steadfast love to others. Through your grace, let me remain faithful in serving you and share in the joy of your lasting kingdom. Amen.