Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 19 October 2027

12 Wherefore as by one man sin entered into this world, and by sin death; and so death passed upon all men, in whom all have sinned.

15 For if by the offence of one, many died; much more the grace of God, and the gift, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned through one; much more they who receive abundance of grace, and of the gift, and of justice, shall reign in life through one, Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as by the offence of one, unto all men to condemnation; so also by the justice of one, unto all men to justification of life.

19 For as by the disobedience of one man, many were made sinners; so also by the obedience of one, many shall be made just.

20 Now the law entered in, that sin might abound. And where sin abounded, grace did more abound.

21 That as sin hath reigned to death; so also grace might reign by justice unto life everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

R. (8a, 9a) Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

7 Sacrifice and oblation thou didst not desire; but thou hast pierced ears for me. Burnt offering and sin offering thou didst not require:

8a Then said I, Behold I come.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

8b In the head of the book it is written of me

9 That I should do thy will: O my God, I have desired it, and thy law in the midst of my heart.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

10 I have declared thy justice in a great church, lo, I will not restrain my lips: O Lord, thou knowest it.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

17 Let all that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say always: The Lord be magnified.

R. Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

36 Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

35 Let your loins be girt, and lamps burning in your hands.

36 And you yourselves like to men who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open to him immediately.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh, shall find watching. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and passing will minister unto them.

38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.

Sin entered through one man, and death gained its reign; yet through the obedience of Jesus Christ, grace abounds and opens the way to life. The psalm gives that grace a human response: “Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.” Faith is not passive agreement. It becomes a heart prepared to listen, a life willing to obey, and lips ready to proclaim God’s justice.

Jesus joins this obedience to watchfulness. His servants keep their lamps burning and remain ready for the master’s return, even through the long hours of waiting. Their readiness is not anxious speculation about when he will come. It is the steady faithfulness of people whose hearts are turned toward the Lord. Grace reigns when we receive Christ’s gift and allow his will to shape our choices. In ordinary responsibilities, quiet sacrifices, and moments when obedience is difficult, we can keep saying, “Here I am.” The surprising promise of the Gospel is that the Master himself will serve those found faithful. The Lord we await is already forming us by grace and will welcome our persevering trust.

Lord Jesus Christ, through your obedience you have made grace stronger than sin and life stronger than death. Open my ears to your word and place your will within my heart. Keep the lamp of faith burning when waiting becomes difficult, and give me strength to remain faithful in the duties and choices before me. Guard me from carelessness and fear; teach me to serve with a willing heart and to trust your promise. May my life speak of your justice and salvation, so that when you come, you may find me ready to welcome you. Amen.