Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 20 October 2028

11 In whom we also are called by lot, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things according to the counsel of his will.

12 That we may be unto the praise of his glory, we who before hoped Christ:

13 In whom you also, after you had heard the word of truth, (the gospel of your salvation;) in whom also believing, you were signed with the holy Spirit of promise,

14 Who is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the redemption of acquisition, unto the praise of his glory.

R. (12) Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

1 Rejoice in the Lord, O ye just: praise becometh the upright.

2 Give praise to the Lord on the harp; sing to him with the psaltery, the instrument of ten strings.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

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. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord: the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance.

13 The Lord hath looked from heaven: he hath beheld all the sons of men.

R. Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

22 May your kindness, LORD, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And when great multitudes stood about him, so that they trod one upon another, he began to say to his disciples: Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: nor hidden, that shall not be known.

3 For whatsoever things you have spoken in darkness, shall be published in the light: and that which you have spoken in the ear in the chambers, shall be preached on the housetops.

4 And I say to you, my friends: Be not afraid of them who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will shew you whom you shall fear: fear ye him, who after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say to you, fear him.

6 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

7 Yea, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows.

God has chosen a people for the praise of his glory, and he does not leave them to find their way alone. Those who hear and believe the Gospel are sealed with the Holy Spirit, the pledge of the inheritance God promises. The psalm celebrates this choice by praising the Lord’s faithfulness and mercy, which fill the earth. Our belonging to God is therefore a gift that calls for grateful, honest living.

Jesus warns against the leaven of hypocrisy because a divided life cannot remain hidden forever. What is concealed will come to light, yet this warning is joined to remarkable tenderness: “Fear not,” because the Father remembers every sparrow and knows even the hairs of our heads. Holy fear means taking God seriously, while trusting that his knowledge of us is merciful rather than cold. The Spirit gives courage to live openly, without shaping our words and actions merely to win human approval. In quiet choices, truthful speech, and faithful witness, we can let the grace we have received become visible.

Faithful Father, thank you for choosing us and sealing us with your Holy Spirit. Cleanse my heart of hypocrisy and free me from the desire to appear righteous before others. Teach me to reverence you with a sincere faith, while resting in your merciful care. When I am afraid to speak or live according to the Gospel, strengthen me with the courage of Christ. May my words, hidden decisions, and public actions agree, so that my life may give praise to your glory. Keep me mindful that I am never forgotten in your sight. Amen.