Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 15 October 2027

1 What shall we say then that Abraham hath found, who is our father according to the flesh.

2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God.

3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.

4 Now to him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt.

5 But to him that worketh not, yet believeth in him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is reputed to justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God.

6 As David also termeth the blessedness of a man, to whom God reputeth justice without works:

7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin.

R. (7) I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

1 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

5 I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.

R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, ye just, and glory, all ye right of heart.

R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

22 May your kindness, O LORD, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And when great multitudes stood about him, so that they trod one upon another, he began to say to his disciples: Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: nor hidden, that shall not be known.

3 For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light: and that which you have spoken in the ear in the chambers, shall be preached on the housetops.

4 And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will shew you whom you shall fear: fear ye him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him.

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.

Abraham’s righteousness began with believing God, not with something he could claim as a personal achievement. The psalm gives that faith a concrete shape: he acknowledges his sin, hides nothing, and receives the joy of forgiveness. Grace reaches the person who comes before God truthfully, trusting that the Lord can justify and restore what sin has wounded.

Jesus warns against the leaven of hypocrisy because a divided life cannot remain hidden forever. What is concealed will be revealed, yet this warning is not meant to drive us into despair. The God before whom everything is known is also the God who remembers every sparrow and numbers the hairs of our heads. We need a holy fear of judgment, together with a deeper confidence in the Father’s care. Faith therefore becomes honest living: confessing sin, refusing appearances, and speaking and acting in the light. We do not have to build our worth through performance or protect ourselves through pretense. We can turn to the Lord as we are, place our hope in his kindness, and let his grace make the heart whole.

Merciful Father, teach me to trust your grace more than my own merits. Give me the courage to acknowledge my sins without concealment and the humility to receive your forgiveness with gratitude. Guard me from hypocrisy, from words and actions that seek only human approval. Place within me a reverent fear of turning away from you, and a steadfast confidence that I am never forgotten in your sight. May my life become truthful in your presence, faithful in trial, and open to the joy of salvation. Through Jesus Christ, your Son. Amen.