Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 21 October 2026

2 If yet you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me towards you:

3 How that, according to revelation, the mystery has been made known to me, as I have written above in a few words;

4 As you reading, may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ,

5 Which in other generations was not known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit:

6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and co-partners of his promise in Christ Jesus, by the gospel:

7 Of which I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which is given to me according to the operation of his power:

8 To me, the least of all the saints, is given this grace, to preach among the Gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9 And to enlighten all men, that they may see what is the dispensation of the mystery which hath been hidden from eternity in God, who created all things:

10 That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,

11 According to the eternal purpose, which he made, in Christ Jesus our Lord:

12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

R. (3) You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

2 Behold, God is my saviour, I will deal confidently, and will not fear: O because the Lord is my strength, and my praise, and he is become my salvation.

3 You shall draw waters with joy out of the saviour’s fountains:

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

4bcd Praise ye the Lord, and call upon his name: make his works known among the people: remember that his name is high.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

5 Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath done great things: shew this forth in all the earth.

6 Rejoice, and praise, O thou habitation of Sion: for great is he that is in the midst of thee, the Holy One of Israel.

R. You will draw water joyfully from the springs of salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

42a, 44 Stay awake! For you do not know when the Son of Man will come.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

39 But this know ye, that if the householder did know at what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and would not suffer his house to be broken open.

40 Be you then also ready: for at what hour you think not, the Son of man will come.

41 And Peter said to him: Lord, dost thou speak this parable to us, or likewise to all?

42 And the Lord said: Who (thinkest thou) is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord setteth over his family, to give them their measure of wheat in due season?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom when his lord shall come, he shall find so doing.

44 Verily I say to you, he will set him over all that he possesseth.

45 But if that servant shall say in his heart: My lord is long a coming; and shall begin to strike the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and to drink and be drunk:

46 The lord of that servant will come in the day that he hopeth not, and at the hour that he knoweth not, and shall separate him, and shall appoint him his portion with unbelievers.

47 And that servant who knew the will of his lord, and prepared not himself, and did not according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.

48 But he that knew not, and did things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. And unto whomsoever much is given, of him much shall be required: and to whom they have committed much, of him they will demand the more.

God’s grace is never given as a private possession. Paul received the mystery of Christ so that he could proclaim it, and through the Gospel the Gentiles were welcomed as fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partners in the promise. The salvation celebrated in the psalm becomes a living spring that must be shared. The Church reveals God’s wisdom when the riches of Christ reach beyond every boundary.

Jesus connects this generous grace with faithful stewardship. The servant remains ready by doing the work entrusted to him: giving others their measure of food at the proper time. Readiness is therefore more than waiting for the Lord’s return. It is using what God has placed in our hands for the good of those entrusted to our care. Much has been given—faith, mercy, responsibility, opportunities to serve—and much will be asked. We need not live in fear, since God is our strength and salvation. We remain watchful by serving faithfully today, allowing the joy we draw from Christ to nourish someone else.

Lord Jesus, thank you for the grace that gathers us into one body and gives us a share in your promise. Keep me awake to your presence and faithful in the duties you place before me. Deliver me from selfishness, carelessness, and the temptation to use responsibility for my own comfort. Make me a trustworthy servant who offers encouragement, mercy, and the nourishment of faith at the right time. Let your saving love flow through my words and actions, so that others may recognize your goodness and draw joyfully from your springs of salvation. Amen.