Daily Mass Readings – Saturday, 19 February 2028

1 Be ye not many masters, my brethren, knowing that you receive the greater judgment.

2 For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body.

3 For if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body.

4 Behold also ships, whereas they are great, and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth.

5 Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is placed among our members, which defileth the whole body, and inflameth the wheel of our nativity, being set on fire by hell.

7 For every nature of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of the rest, is tamed, and hath been tamed, by the nature of man:

8 But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison.

9 By it we bless God and the Father: and by it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

R. (8a) You will protect us, Lord.

2 Save me, O Lord, for there is now no saint: truths are decayed from among the children of men.

3 They have spoken vain things every one to his neighbour: with deceitful lips, and with a double heart have they spoken.

R. You will protect us, Lord.

4 May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things.

5 Who have said: We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; who is Lord over us?

R. You will protect us, Lord.

7 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried by the fire, purged from the earth refined seven times.

8 Thou, O Lord, wilt preserve us: and keep us from this generation for ever.

R. You will protect us, Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

7 The heavens were opened and the voice of the Father thundered: This is my beloved Son. Listen to him.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

2 And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter and James and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves, and was transfigured before them.

3 And his garments became shining and exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller upon earth can make white.

4 And there appeared to them Elias with Moses; and they were talking with Jesus.

5 And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Rabbi, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

6 For he knew not what he said: for they were struck with fear.

7 And there was a cloud overshadowing them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying: This is my most beloved son; hear ye him.

8 And immediately looking about, they saw no man any more, but Jesus only with them.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them not to tell any man what things they had seen, till the Son of man shall be risen again from the dead.

10 And they kept the word to themselves; questioning together what that should mean, when he shall be risen from the dead.

11 And they asked him, saying: Why then do the Pharisees and scribes say that Elias must come first?

12 Who answering, said to them: Elias, when he shall come first, shall restore all things; and as it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things and be despised.

13 But I say to you, that Elias also is come, (and they have done to him whatsoever they would,) as it is written of him.

The tongue is small, yet it can steer an entire life like a helm turns a ship. It can bless God and wound people made in his likeness; it can kindle a fire that spreads far beyond the moment. The psalm contrasts deceitful, proud speech with the pure words of the Lord, refined like silver. Scripture therefore exposes a disorder within us: our mouths may praise God while carrying words that diminish his children.

On the mountain, the Father gives the remedy: “Listen to him.” The disciples see Jesus in glory, yet they must come down with him and face the mystery of the Son who will suffer and be despised. Listening to Christ means allowing his word to govern our own words, especially when fear, pride, or irritation urges us to speak quickly. Before correcting, criticizing, or repeating something about another person, we can pause and remember whose likeness that person bears. Under the Lord’s guidance, our speech can become less a source of fire and more an instrument of truth, blessing, and peace.

Lord Jesus, beloved Son of the Father, teach me to listen to you before I speak. Purify my heart, so that my words may be truthful, humble, and merciful. Restrain my tongue when pride or anger begins to govern it, and help me remember the dignity of every person who bears God’s likeness. When discipleship becomes difficult and I must follow you down from moments of consolation into sacrifice, keep your voice before me. May my speech strengthen the weary, correct with charity, and give praise to God. Holy Spirit, guard my lips and make them instruments of peace. Amen.