Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 17 November 2026

1 And to the angel of the church of Sardis, write: These things saith he, that hath the seven spirits of God, and the seven stars: I know thy works, that thou hast the name of being alive: and thou art dead.

2 Be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, which are ready to die. For I find not thy works full before my God.

3 Have in mind therefore in what manner thou hast received and heard: and observe, and do penance. If then thou shalt not watch, I will come to thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know at what hour I will come to thee.

4 But thou hast a few names in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments: and they shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy.

5 He that shall overcome, shall thus be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

6 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

14 And to the angel of the church of Laodicea, write: These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, who is the beginning of the creation of God:

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold, nor hot. I would thou wert cold, or hot.

16 But because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold, not hot, I will begin to vomit thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest: I am rich, and made wealthy, and have need of nothing: and knowest not, that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold fire tried, that thou mayest be made rich; and mayest be clothed in white garments, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear; and anoint thy eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 Such as I love, I rebuke and chastise. Be zealous therefore, and do penance.

20 Behold, I stand at the gate, and knock. If any man shall hear my voice, and open to me the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

21 To him that shall overcome, I will give to sit with me in my throne: as I also have overcome, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith to the churches.

R. (Rev. 3: 21) I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.

2 He that walketh without blemish, and worketh justice:

3a He that speaketh truth in his heart, who hath not used deceit in his tongue.

R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.

3bc Nor hath done evil to his neighbour: nor taken up a reproach against his neighbours.

4ab In his sight the malignant is brought to nothing: but he glorifieth them that fear the Lord.

R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.

5 He that hath not put out his money to usury, nor taken bribes against the innocent: He that doth these things shall not be moved for ever.

R. I will seat the victor beside me on my throne.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

10b God loved us, and sent his Son as expiation for our sins.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And entering in, he walked through Jericho.

2 And behold, there was a man named Zacheus, who was the chief of the publicans, and he was rich.

3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was, and he could not for the crowd, because he was low of stature.

4 And running before, he climbed up into a sycamore tree, that he might see him; for he was to pass that way.

5 And when Jesus was come to the place, looking up, he saw him, and said to him: Zacheus, make haste and come down; for this day I must abide in thy house.

6 And he made haste and came down; and received him with joy.

7 And when all saw it, they murmured, saying, that he was gone to be a guest with a man that was a sinner.

8 But Zacheus standing, said to the Lord: Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have wronged any man of any thing, I restore him fourfold.

9 Jesus said to him: This day is salvation come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Christ sees beneath appearances. A church may have the name of being alive while its works are incomplete; a person may feel rich and self-sufficient while being poor, blind, and naked before God. Yet his correction is not rejection. The one who rebukes also loves, knocks at the door, and promises to enter and share a meal with whoever hears his voice.

Zacchaeus shows what it means to open that door. He receives Jesus with joy, and his encounter with the Lord becomes visible in his choices: he gives to the poor and restores fourfold what he has taken. His faith does not remain a feeling or a reputation; it becomes truth, justice, and mercy. The psalm describes the same living response—walking without blemish, speaking truth, and refusing harm to one’s neighbor. Christ still seeks what is lost, and his loving gaze exposes whatever in us has grown lukewarm or complacent. When he calls us to come down from self-sufficiency, repentance becomes a way of welcoming salvation into the house of our life.

Lord Jesus, you know me more deeply than appearances can show. Awaken what has grown weak in me, and keep my heart from the blindness of self-sufficiency. Give me the humility to hear your voice when you correct me and the courage to open my door to you. Let my repentance bear practical fruit in honesty, generosity, and justice toward those I have harmed or neglected. Restore in me a living faith, and make my life a place where your mercy is welcomed with joy. Stay with me, Lord, and lead me into the salvation you desire to give. Amen.