Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 31 August 2027

1 But of the times and moments, brethren, you need not, that we should write to you;

2 For yourselves know perfectly, that the day of the Lord shall so come, as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, peace and security; then shall sudden destruction come upon them, as the pains upon her that is with child, and they shall not escape.

4 But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 For all you are the children of light, and children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do; but let us watch, and be sober.

9 For God hath not appointed us unto wrath, but unto the purchasing of salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us; that, whether we watch or sleep, we may live together with him.

11 For which cause comfort one another; and edify one another, as you also do.

R. (13) I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple.

R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

13 I believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

14 Expect the Lord, do manfully, and let thy heart take courage, and wait thou for the Lord.

R. I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

16 A great prophet has arisen in our midst and God has visited his people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

31 And he went down into Capharnaum, a city of Galilee, and there he taught them on the sabbath days.

32 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his speech was with power.

33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had an unclean devil, and he cried out with a loud voice,

34 Saying: Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the holy one of God.

35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying: Hold thy peace, and go out of him. And when the devil had thrown him into the midst, he went out of him, and hurt him not at all.

36 And there came fear upon all, and they talked among themselves, saying: What word is this, for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they go out?

37 And the fame of him was published into every place of the country.

Christ’s word carries an authority that darkness cannot withstand. In the synagogue, the unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God, yet recognition alone does not bring freedom. Jesus speaks, and the spirit must leave. His command reveals that the presence of God is not distant or powerless; in Christ, God visits his people and confronts whatever enslaves them.

Paul therefore calls believers children of light, urging them to remain awake and sober. This watchfulness is not anxious fear about the unknown day of the Lord. It is a steady life rooted in Christ, who died so that we might live with him. The psalm gives this vigilance its proper spirit: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” We can wait for him with courage because our hope rests in his goodness. When darkness appears—in our choices, habits, or communities—we should bring it honestly before the authority of Jesus rather than surrendering to it. And having received his light, we strengthen one another, offering words and actions that help others remain faithful and hopeful.

Lord Jesus, Holy One of God, speak your freeing word into every place of darkness within me. Deliver me from whatever keeps me from living in your light, and give me a sober, faithful heart that waits for you with courage. Keep me from fear, since you have died so that I may live with you. Make your presence my refuge and your truth my strength. Help me encourage those around me with patience, hope, and kindness, so that together we may remain awake to your grace and trust in your salvation. Amen.