Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 18 November 2028 – Proper

11 And after three months, we sailed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was the Castors.

12 And when we were come to Syracusa, we tarried there three days.

13 From thence, compassing by the shore, we came to Rhegium: and after one day, the south wind blowing, we came the second day to Puteoli;

14 Where, finding brethren, we were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went to Rome.

15 And from thence, when the brethren had heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and the Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God, and took courage.

16 And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.

30 And he remained two whole years in his own hired lodging; and he received all that came in to him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, without prohibition.

R. (2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

1 Sing ye to the Lord anew canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

2 The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3ab He hath remembered his mercy his truth toward the house of Israel.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

3cd All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

5 Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

6 With long trumpets, and sound of comet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king:

R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

22 And forthwith Jesus obliged his disciples to go up into the boat, and to go before him over the water, till he dismissed the people.

23 And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone.

24 But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea.

26 And they seeing him walk upon the sea, were troubled, saying: It is an apparition. And they cried out for fear.

27 And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not.

28 And Peter making answer, said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters.

29 And he said: Come. And Peter going down out of the boat, walked upon the water to come to Jesus.

30 But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: Lord, save me.

31 And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?

32 And when they were come up into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: Indeed thou art the Son of God.

The disciples are caught in a boat against a contrary wind, while Jesus is alone in prayer. Their fear grows in the darkness, yet Christ comes toward them across the troubled sea and speaks with simple authority: “Be of good heart: it is I; fear ye not.” Peter discovers both the courage faith can give and the weakness that appears when he looks more at the wind than at Jesus. Still, when he cries, “Lord, save me,” Christ’s hand is immediately there.

Paul’s journey to Rome shows this same sustaining presence in another form. Along the way, he finds brethren who welcome him, and their presence gives him courage. Even under guard, he continues to proclaim God’s kingdom and teach about Jesus with confidence. God’s saving power is not confined by storms, distance, or human restrictions; it is revealed to the nations through faithful witnesses who keep going with Christ. When circumstances unsettle us, we need neither deny the wind nor trust our own strength. We can turn our eyes again to the Lord, receive the help he provides through his people, and continue the work entrusted to us.

Lord Jesus, when fear and confusion rise around me, help me recognize your presence and hear your voice: “Fear not.” Strengthen my faith when I begin to sink, and teach me to call upon you without hesitation. Give me the humility to receive courage through the fellowship of your people, as Paul received it from the brethren who welcomed him. May no hardship silence my witness to your kingdom. Through the Holy Spirit, make my life a joyful proclamation of your saving power, so that others may come to know and adore you as the Son of God. Amen.