Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 29 January 2027

32 But call to mind the former days, wherein, being illuminated, you endured a great fight of afflictions.

33 And on the one hand indeed, by reproaches and tribulations, were made a gazingstock; and on the other, became companions of them that were used in such sort.

34 For you both had compassion on them that were in bands, and took with joy the being stripped of your own goods, knowing that you have a better and a lasting substance.

35 Do not therefore lose your confidence, which hath a great reward.

36 For patience is necessary for you; that, doing the will of God, you may receive the promise.

37 For yet a little and a very little while, and he that is to come, will come, and will not delay.

38 But my just man liveth by faith; but if he withdraw himself, he shall not please my soul.

39 But we are not the children of withdrawing unto perdition, but of faith to the saving of the soul.

R. (39a) The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

3 Trust in the Lord, and do good, and dwell in the land, and thou shalt be fed with its riches.

4 Delight in the Lord, and he will give thee the requests of thy heart.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

5 Commit thy way to the Lord, and trust in him, and he will do it.

6 And he will bring forth thy justice as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

23 With the Lord shall the steps of a man be directed, and he shall like well his way.

24 When he shall fall he shall not be bruised, for the Lord putteth his hand under him.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

39 But the salvation of the just is from the Lord, and he is their protector in the time of trouble.

40 And the Lord will help them and deliver them: and he will rescue them from the wicked, and save them, because they have hoped in him.

R. The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.

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.

26 And he said: So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the earth,

27 And should sleep, and rise, night and day, and the seed should spring, and grow up whilst he knoweth not.

28 For the earth of itself bringeth forth fruit, first the blade, then the ear, afterwards the full corn in the ear.

29 And when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.

30 And he said: To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? or to what parable shall we compare it?

31 It is as a grain of mustard seed: which when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that are in the earth:

32 And when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches, so that the birds of the air may dwell under the shadow thereof.

33 And with many such parables, he spoke to them the word, according as they were able to hear.

34 And without parable he did not speak unto them; but apart, he explained all things to his disciples.

Faith often asks us to remain faithful before we can see the fruit of our faithfulness. The first reading remembers believers who endured reproach, suffering, and the loss of their possessions because they trusted in a better and lasting treasure. They are told not to surrender their confidence: patience is needed while they do God’s will. The psalm gives this endurance a foundation—the Lord directs the steps of those who trust in him, supports them when they fall, and rescues those who hope in him.

Jesus shows what this patient hope looks like through the seed. The kingdom grows quietly, beyond the sower’s control or complete understanding. A tiny mustard seed becomes a place of shelter for many. God can bring great fruit from what seems small, hidden, or easily overlooked. The Alleluia points us toward the humility needed to receive this mystery: the Father reveals the kingdom to little ones. We do not need to measure everything immediately. We can keep doing God’s will, entrusting our ordinary acts of faith to him. The growth belongs to God, and our task is to remain rooted, confident, and faithful until the harvest.

Lord our God, deepen in us the faith that endures when results are hidden and the way ahead is uncertain. Keep us from withdrawing when discipleship becomes difficult. Teach us to trust your providence, to receive your word with the humility of little ones, and to continue doing your will with patience. Support us when we fall, protect those who suffer for righteousness, and make the small seeds of our obedience fruitful for others. May our hope rest in your lasting promise rather than in what we can see today. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.