Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 16 January 2027

12 For the word of God is living and effectual, and more piercing than any two edged sword; and reaching unto the division of the soul and the spirit, of the joints also and the marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature invisible in his sight: but all things are naked and open to his eyes, to whom our speech is.

14 Having therefore a great high priest that hath passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God: let us hold fast our confession.

15 For we have not a high priest, who can not have compassion on our infirmities: but one tempted in all things like as we are, without sin.

16 Let us go therefore with confidence to the throne of grace: that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid.

R. (John 6:63c) Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

8 The law of the Lord is unspotted, converting souls: the testimony of the Lord is faithful, giving wisdom to little ones.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

9 The justices of the Lord are right, rejoicing hearts: the commandment of the Lord is lightsome, enlightening the eyes.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

10 The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for ever and ever: the judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

15 And the words of my mouth shall be such as may please: and the meditation of my heart always in thy sight. O Lord, my helper, and my redeemer.

R. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

18 The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

13 And he went forth again to the sea side; and all the multitude came to him, and he taught them.

14 And when he was passing by, he saw Levi the son of Alpheus sitting at the receipt of custom; and he saith to him: Follow me. And rising up, he followed him.

15 And it came to pass, that as he sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat down together with Jesus and his disciples. For they were many, who also followed him.

16 And the scribes and the Pharisees, seeing that he ate with publicans and sinners, said to his disciples: Why doth your master eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

17 Jesus hearing this, saith to them: They that are well have no need of a physician, but they that are sick. For I came not to call the just, but sinners.

The word of God is living: it reaches into the hidden places of the heart, brings wisdom, enlightens the eyes, and converts the soul. It sees us completely, yet the One who speaks that word is not distant from our weakness. Jesus, our great High Priest, has been tempted as we are, though without sin, and understands our infirmities with compassion. His truth does not expose us in order to condemn us; it opens the way to mercy.

That mercy takes visible form when Jesus calls Levi from the customs post and then sits at table with publicans and sinners. He comes as a physician for the sick, bringing glad tidings to the poor and liberty to those held captive by sin. To follow him means allowing his word to name what needs healing, then approaching his throne of grace with confidence. It also means making room for those whom others might dismiss. The words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts can become pleasing to God when they are shaped by Christ’s truth and compassion.

Lord Jesus, living Word of the Father, search my heart with your truth and heal what keeps me from following you. Give me the humility to acknowledge my need, the courage to leave behind whatever holds me captive, and the faith to approach your throne of grace. Thank you for receiving sinners with compassion and calling them into your friendship. Shape my words and thoughts so that they may please you. Make me compassionate toward those who need mercy, and faithful in welcoming the people you place before me. Amen.