Daily Mass Readings – Sunday, 29 October 2028

12 And look not upon an unjust sacrifice, for the Lord is judge, and there is not with him respect of person.

13 The Lord will not accept any person against a poor man, and he will hear the prayer of him that is wronged.

14 He will not despise the prayers of the fatherless; nor the widow, when she poureth out her complaint.

16 For from the cheek they go up even to heaven, and the Lord that heareth will not be delighted with them.

17 He that adoreth God with joy, shall be accepted, and his prayer shall approach even to the clouds.

18 The prayer of him that humbleth himself, shall pierce the clouds: and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and he will not depart till the most High behold.

R. (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

2 I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth.

3 In the Lord shall my soul be praised: let the meek hear and rejoice.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

17 But the countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil things: to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.

18 The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

19 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.

23 The Lord will redeem the souls of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall offend.

R. The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

6 For I am even now ready to be sacrificed: and the time of my dissolution is at hand.

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

8 As to the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge will render to me in that day: and not only to me, but to them also that love his coming. Make haste to come to me quickly.

16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all forsook me: may it not be laid to their charge.

17 But the Lord stood by me, and strengthened me, that by me the preaching may be accomplished, and that all the Gentiles may hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 The Lord hath delivered me from every evil work: and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

19 God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, and entrusting to us the message of salvation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

9 And to some who trusted in themselves as just, and despised others, he spoke also this parable:

10 Two men went up into the temple to pray: the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.

11 The Pharisee standing, prayed thus with himself: O God, I give thee thanks that I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, as also is this publican.

12 I fast twice in a week: I give tithes of all that I possess.

13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes towards heaven; but struck his breast, saying: O God, be merciful to me a sinner.

14 I say to you, this man went down into his house justified rather than the other: because every one that exalteth himself, shall be humbled: and he that humbleth himself, shall be exalted.

God does not measure prayer by the appearance of the one who prays, nor by a record of religious accomplishments. He looks upon the heart that knows its need for mercy. The Pharisee speaks about his virtues while despising another; the publican simply stands before God as a sinner. His humble prayer reaches heaven, and he goes home justified. Scripture shows us that the Lord is near to the contrite, hears the cry of the poor, and does not ignore those who are wronged or forgotten.

Paul’s testimony gives this humility a steadfast shape. He has fought the good fight and kept the faith, yet he does not speak as though he accomplished everything alone. When others abandoned him, the Lord stood by him and strengthened him for the work of proclaiming reconciliation in Christ. Christian faith rests on that same mercy: we admit our poverty before God, receive his strength, and then carry his message to others. A sincere “Lord, have mercy” can become the beginning of faithful perseverance, gentler judgment, and a life entrusted to God rather than built on self-importance.

Merciful God, hear me when I come before you without excuses or pride. Give me the humility to recognize my sin, the courage to seek your forgiveness, and the compassion to treat the poor, the wounded, and the overlooked with honor. When I feel alone or weak, stand beside me as you stood beside your servant Paul, and strengthen me to remain faithful. Keep me from comparing myself with others or trusting in my own goodness. Make my life a quiet witness to the reconciliation you offer in Christ, and preserve me in your grace until I come into your kingdom. Amen.