Daily Mass Readings – Friday, 29 October 2027

1 I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost:

2 That I have great sadness, and continual sorrow in my heart.

3 For I wished myself to be an anathema from Christ, for my brethren, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh,

4 Who are Israelites, to whom belongeth the adoption as of children, and the glory, and the testament, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises:

5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom is Christ, according to the flesh, who is over all things, God blessed for ever. Amen.

R. (12a) Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: praise thy God, O Sion.

13 Because he hath strengthened the bolts of thy gates, he hath blessed thy children within thee.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

14 Who hath placed peace in thy borders: and filleth thee with the fat of corn.

15 Who sendeth forth his speech to the earth: his word runneth swiftly.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

19 Who declareth his word to Jacob: his justices and his judgments to Israel.

20 He hath not done in like manner to every nation: and his judgments he hath not made manifest to them. Alleluia.

R. Praise the Lord, Jerusalem.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

27 My sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

1 And it came to pass, when Jesus went into the house of one of the chief of the Pharisees, on the sabbath day, to eat bread, that they watched him.

2 And behold, there was a certain man before him that had the dropsy.

3 And Jesus answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying: Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?

4 But they held their peace. But he taking him, healed him, and sent him away.

5 And answering them, he said: Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fall into a pit, and will not immediately draw him out, on the sabbath day?

6 And they could not answer him to these things.

Paul’s sorrow for his fellow Israelites reveals how deeply he loves the people who received adoption, the covenant, the law, worship, and the promises. At the heart of those promises stands Christ, who came according to the flesh. The gifts of God are never cold facts; they are invitations to recognize and follow the One who fulfills them. The psalm praises God for strengthening Jerusalem, giving peace, and sending his word swiftly among his people.

That living Word is heard in Jesus’ action on the Sabbath. While others watch and remain silent, Jesus sees the suffering man and heals him. He does not set mercy against God’s law; he reveals the law’s true purpose. The Shepherd’s voice leads toward life, and those who hear him learn to place compassion before narrow judgment. Our faith, our traditions, and our knowledge of God must become concrete love. When someone’s need is placed before us, Christ’s question still reaches the conscience: will we protect our rules, or will we allow mercy to act?

Merciful Father, you have spoken your promises and sent your Son to lead your people into life. Give me ears to hear Christ’s voice and a heart ready to obey him. Keep my faith from becoming mere habit or judgment without compassion. When another person suffers, help me see that need clearly and respond with courage and tenderness. Bless your Church with peace, strengthen all who seek you, and draw every heart toward the healing mercy revealed in Jesus. May your word take flesh in my actions today. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.