Daily Mass Readings – Monday, 24 May 2027

20 Turn to the Lord, and forsake thy sins: Make thy prayer before the face of the Lord, and offend less.

21 Return to the Lord, and turn away from thy injustice, and greatly hate abomination. And know the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the lot set before thee, and in prayer to the most high God.

22 Go to the side of the holy age, with them that live and give praise to God. Tarry not in the error of the ungodly, give glory before death. Praise perisheth from the dead as nothing.

23 Give thanks whilst thou art living, whilst thou art alive and in health thou shalt give thanks, and shalt praise God, and shalt glory in his mercies.

24 How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness to them that turn to him!

R. (11a) Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 To David himself, understanding. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord hath not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile.

R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

5 I have acknowledged my sin to thee, and my injustice I have not concealed. I said I will confess against myself my injustice to the Lord: and thou hast forgiven the wickedness of my sin.

R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

6 For this shall every one that is holy pray to thee in a seasonable time. And yet in a flood of many waters, they shall not come nigh unto him.

R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

7 Thou art my refuge from the trouble which hath encompassed me: my joy, deliver me from them that surround me.

R. Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

9 Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?

18 And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother.

20 But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth.

21 And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.

22 Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God?

25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God.

The call to return to the Lord begins with honesty. Scripture praises the person who does not conceal sin, but confesses it and receives the joy of forgiveness. God’s mercy is greater than our injustice, and prayer opens the way back to him. Conversion is not something to postpone; while we are alive, we are given the grace to turn, give thanks, and praise the Lord.

The Gospel shows that turning to God also means examining what possesses our hearts. The man who approaches Jesus has kept the commandments, and Jesus looks upon him with love. Yet one attachment still stands between him and complete freedom: his great possessions. Jesus does not condemn him; he reveals what must be surrendered so that he can follow. Riches become dangerous when we trust in them more than in God or fail to give to those in need. Christ, who became poor for our sake, leads us into the treasure of heaven through a generous and undivided heart. What seems impossible to us is possible with God.

Merciful God, I acknowledge my sins and the attachments that keep my heart from following you freely. Thank you for receiving those who turn to you and for covering our guilt with forgiveness. Through Jesus Christ, teach me to trust you more than possessions, comfort, or my own goodness. Show me what I must surrender, and give me courage to share generously with those in need. When obedience feels impossible, strengthen my faith in your power. Make my life a living act of thanksgiving and praise. Amen.