Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 17 October 2027

10 And the Lord was pleased to bruise him in infirmity: if he shall lay down his life for sin, he shall see a long-lived seed, and the will of the Lord shall be prosperous in his hand.

11 Because his soul hath laboured, he shall see and be filled: by his knowledge shall this my just servant justify many, and he shall bear their iniquities.

R. (22) Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

4 For the word of the Lord is right, and all his works are done with faithfulness.

5 He loveth mercy and judgment; the earth is full of the mercy of the Lord.

R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

18 Behold the eyes of the Lord are on them that fear him: and on them that hope in his mercy.

19 To deliver their souls from death; and feed them in famine.

R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

20 Our soul waiteth for the Lord: for he is our helper and protector.

22 Let thy mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we have hoped in thee.

R. Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

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. Alleluia, alleluia.

45 The Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

35 And James and John the sons of Zebedee, come to him, saying: Master, we desire that whatsoever we shall ask, thou wouldst do it for us:

36 But he said to them: What would you that I should do for you?

37 And they said: Grant to us, that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.

38 And Jesus said to them: You know not what you ask. Can you drink of the chalice that I drink of: or be baptized with the baptism wherewith I am baptized?

39 But they said to him: We can. And Jesus saith to them: You shall indeed drink of the chalice that I drink of: and with the baptism wherewith I am baptized, you shall be baptized.

40 But to sit on my right hand, or on my left, is not mine to give to you, but to them for whom it is prepared.

41 And the ten hearing it, began to be much displeased at James and John.

42 But Jesus calling them, saith to them: You know that they who seem to rule over the Gentiles, lord it over them: and their princes have power over them.

43 But it is not so among you: but whosoever will be greater, shall be your minister.

44 And whosoever will be first among you, shall be the servant of all.

45 For the Son of man also is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a redemption for many.

Or

42 But Jesus calling them, saith to them: You know that they who seem to rule over the Gentiles, lord it over them: and their princes have power over them.

43 But it is not so among you: but whosoever will be greater, shall be your minister.

44 And whosoever will be first among you, shall be the servant of all.

45 For the Son of man also is not come to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a redemption for many.

James and John ask Jesus for places of honor, but he responds by revealing the shape of true glory. His kingdom is not built on status or power. The Son of Man comes to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. The servant described in the first reading bears the iniquities of others, and through his suffering many are justified. In Christ, this promise reaches its fullness: greatness is found in self-giving love.

This teaching is not an invitation to seek suffering for its own sake. It is a call to remain faithful when love requires patience, sacrifice, forgiveness, or humble work that receives little recognition. Jesus, our great High Priest, knows our weakness and meets us with compassion. Because he has passed through suffering and entered heaven, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. Trusting the Lord’s mercy, we can release our desire to be noticed or placed first, and ask instead how we may serve someone entrusted to us. The Lord’s mercy rests upon those who hope in him, especially when generous love costs something.

Lord Jesus, you came among us as the servant of all and gave your life for our salvation. Purify my desire for recognition and teach me to seek the good of others with a humble heart. When service becomes difficult, help me remember your compassion and remain faithful to love. Give me courage to approach your throne of grace, trusting that you understand my weakness and will provide mercy in the proper time. May your Spirit make my words, choices, and responsibilities a quiet offering for those around me. Let your mercy rest upon me as I place my hope in you. Amen.