Daily Mass Readings – Wednesday, 27 December 2028

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of life:

2 For the life was manifested; and we have seen and do bear witness, and declare unto you the life eternal, which was with the Father, and hath appeared to us:

3 That which we have seen and have heard, we declare unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and our fellowship may be with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

4 And these things we write to you, that you may rejoice, and your joy may be full.

R. (12) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

1 The Lord hath reigned, let the earth rejoice: let many islands be glad.

2 Clouds and darkness are round about him: justice and judgment are the establishment of his throne.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

5 The mountains melted like wax, at the presence of the Lord: at the presence of the Lord of all the earth.

6 The heavens declared his justice: and all people saw his glory.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

11 Light is risen to the just, and joy to the right of heart.

12 Rejoice, ye just, in the Lord: and give praise to the remembrance of his holiness.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1a And on the first day of the week,

2 Mary Magdalen ran, therefore, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith to them: They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.

3 Peter therefore went out, and that other disciple, and they came to the sepulchre.

4 And they both ran together, and that other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.

5 And when he stooped down, he saw the linen cloths lying; but yet he went not in.

6 Then cometh Simon Peter, following him, and went into the sepulchre, and saw the linen cloths lying,

7 And the napkin that had been about his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but apart, wrapped up into one place.

8 Then that other disciple also went in, who came first to the sepulchre: and he saw, and believed.

The faith of the Church rests on a real encounter with the risen Christ. The apostolic witness speaks of what was heard, seen, and touched: the Word of life truly appeared. In the Gospel, the beloved disciple enters the empty tomb, sees the linen cloths, and believes. Faith is not built on a vague idea, but on the testimony of those who encountered the Lord and proclaimed what they had received.

That testimony has a purpose: that we may share fellowship with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ, and that our joy may be complete. The Psalm’s image of light rising for the just gives voice to this Easter hope. Christ’s victory reveals God’s justice and glory, and it brings light into hearts that trust him. We receive the apostles’ witness today by allowing it to lead us into deeper communion with Christ and into a life that bears witness to him. Our faith becomes credible when his risen life is reflected in our joy, our truthfulness, and our faithful love.

Risen Jesus, Word of life, strengthen my faith through the witness of your apostles. Help me to receive with an open heart the truth of your resurrection and to remain in fellowship with you and the Father. Let your light rise within me, especially when faith feels hidden or difficult. Make my life a quiet testimony to your victory through honest words, steadfast love, and generous service. Guard me from a joy that depends only on circumstances, and root me in the joy that comes from knowing you are alive. May my life lead others toward your light. Amen.