Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 22 October 2027

18 For I know that there dwelleth not in me, that is to say, in my flesh, that which is good. For to will, is present with me; but to accomplish that which is good, I find not.

19 For the good which I will, I do not; but the evil which I will not, that I do.

20 Now if I do that which I will not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

21 I find then a law, that when I have a will to do good, evil is present with me.

22 For I am delighted with the law of God, according to the inward man:

23 But I see another law in my members, fighting against the law of my mind, and captivating me in the law of sin, that is in my members.

24 Unhappy man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord.

R. (68b) Lord, teach me your statutes.

66 Teach me goodness and discipline and knowledge; for I have believed thy commandments.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

68 Thou art good; and in thy goodness teach me thy justifications.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

76 O! let thy mercy be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, and I shall live: for thy law is my meditation.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

93 Thy justifications I will never forget: for by them thou hast given me life.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

94 I am thine, save thou me: for I have sought thy justifications.

R. Lord, teach me your statutes.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

25 Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

54 And he said also to the multitudes: When you see a cloud rising from the west, presently you say: A shower is coming: and so it happeneth:

55 And when ye see the south wind blow, you say: There will be heat: and it cometh to pass.

56 You hypocrites, you know how to discern the face of the heaven and of the earth: but how is it that you do not discern this time?

57 And why even of yourselves, do you not judge that which is just?

58 And when thou goest with thy adversary to the prince, whilst thou art in the way, endeavour to be delivered from him: lest perhaps he draw thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the exacter, and the exacter cast thee into prison.

59 I say to thee, thou shalt not go out thence, until thou pay the very last mite.

We can often read the signs around us accurately while failing to recognize what is happening within us. Christ challenges the crowd to discern “this time” and to judge what is just. That discernment requires more than observation; it calls for a humble and honest response before God.

The first reading gives voice to the painful conflict between desiring the good and failing to accomplish it. Yet it does not leave us trapped in discouragement. The cry, “Who shall deliver me?” finds its answer in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. The psalm turns that grace into a prayer: “Lord, teach me your statutes.” God’s law is not presented as a burden imposed from outside, but as the path by which he gives life and teaches goodness. The Father reveals the mysteries of the Kingdom to little ones—those willing to receive and be taught.

Discerning the time, then, means allowing God’s word to expose what needs conversion and responding while the opportunity is before us. We should not postpone reconciliation, obedience, or a just decision. Grace is offered for the next faithful step.

Merciful Father, teach me to recognize your presence and your call in the midst of my daily life. When I desire what is good yet find myself drawn toward sin, keep me from despair and lead me to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Give me a humble heart that receives your wisdom, a mind formed by your commandments, and courage to act justly without delay. Help me seek reconciliation while the way is still open, and let your tender mercy give me new life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.