Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 26 January 2027

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life, which is in Christ Jesus.

2 To Timothy my dearly beloved son, grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 I give thanks to God, whom I serve from my forefathers with a pure conscience, that without ceasing, I have a remembrance of thee in my prayers, night and day.

4 Desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy,

5 Calling to mind that faith which is in thee unfeigned, which also dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and in thy mother Eunice, and I am certain that in thee also.

6 For which cause I admonish thee, that thou stir up the grace of God which is in thee, by the imposition of my hands.

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of sobriety.

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but labour with the gospel, according to the power of God,

Or

1 Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of the elect of God and the acknowledging of the truth, which is according to godliness:

2 Unto the hope of life everlasting, which God, who lieth not, hath promised before the times of the world:

3 But hath in due times manifested his word in preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Saviour:

4 To Titus my beloved son, according to the common faith, grace and peace from God the Father, and from Christ Jesus our Saviour.

5 For this cause I left thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and shouldest ordain priests in every city, as I also appointed thee:

R. (3) Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

1 Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: sing to the Lord, all the earth.

2a Sing ye to the Lord and bless his name.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

2b Shew forth his salvation from day to day.

3 Declare his glory among the Gentiles: his wonders among all people.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

7 Bring ye to the Lord, O ye kindreds of the Gentiles, bring ye to the Lord glory and honour:

8a Bring to the Lord glory unto his name.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

10 Say ye among the Gentiles, the Lord hath reigned. For he hath corrected the world, which shall not be moved: he will judge the people with justice.

R. Proclaim God’s marvelous deeds to all the nations.

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.

31 And his mother and his brethren came; and standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

32 And the multitude sat about him; and they say to him: Behold thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

33 And answering them, he said: Who is my mother and my brethren?

34 And looking round about on them who sat about him, he saith: Behold my mother and my brethren.

35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, he is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Faith becomes fruitful when it is received with humility and lived with courage. Paul sees in Timothy a sincere faith handed on through his family, yet he urges him to “stir up” the grace already given to him. Titus, too, is entrusted with strengthening the life of the Church. God’s grace is never meant to remain hidden or inactive; it forms people who can serve, teach, organize, and proclaim the hope of eternal life.

Jesus widens the meaning of family around a deeper bond: those who do the will of God belong to him. The Alleluia points to the humble as those who receive the mysteries of the Kingdom, and the psalm sends that received gift outward in praise and witness. We do not need to possess impressive knowledge or great power. We need a receptive heart, faithfulness in the duties placed before us, and freedom from fear. The grace entrusted to us may be expressed through prayer, patient service, a word of truth, or the courage to speak of Christ. In doing God’s will, we discover that we truly belong to Christ and share in his mission.

Father of heaven and earth, give me the humble heart that receives your truth and the courage to live it openly. Stir up the grace you have placed within me, so that fear does not silence my faith or self-interest keep me from serving. Help me cherish the family formed by obedience to your will, and teach me to strengthen others with patience and love. May my words and actions proclaim your marvelous deeds and point toward the hope of life in Christ. Keep me faithful in the ordinary responsibilities you entrust to me. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.