Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection March 26, 2026
Thursday – Fifth Week of Lent
26th March 2026 (Thursday)
Psalter: Week 1
Readings of the Day
First Reading: Genesis 17:3-9
In those days: Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations.”
Psalm 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (R. 8a)
R/. The Lord remembers his covenant forever.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ
R/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ
V/. O that today you would listen to his voice! Harden not your hearts as at Meribah.
R/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ
Gospel: John 8:51-59
At that time: Jesus said to the Jews, “Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Daily Gospel Reflection
Thursday – Fifth Week of Lent
Main Point: We cannot comprehend God’s methods and be devoted to Him as long as we just think from a human and earthly viewpoint and pursue worldly goals.
1. Abraham appears in both of the day’s readings. God meets Abram in the first reading from Genesis and establishes agreements and commitments with him. As a result, his whole life and name are altered. He becomes Abraham, a blessing to many, the father of many countries, and the father of an elderly son. He grows up to be a parent and a religious role model.
2. According to Jesus’ account in the gospel, Abraham was pleased to see him because he existed before Abraham. Given that Abraham and Jesus come from two distinct historical periods, this is a bizarre aspect of history. Jesus was obviously speaking about his eternal status as the Son of God and his pre-existence.
3. He was speaking from a heavenly standpoint. “If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death,” claims Jesus. He was obviously not referring to bodily death that occurs naturally. He was saying that everlasting life will result from trusting in and abiding by his word. To put it another way, faith grants eternity. In this way, Abraham’s trust in God gives him everlasting life.
4. However, due of the differences in their worldview and way of thinking, Jews would not comprehend it. They have a purely earthy and human viewpoint on everything, even Jesus. As a result, they consider his union with the Father to be sacrilege. They become enraged. They gather stones to hurl at him.
5. Many people have this issue. Despite their worldly and human viewpoint and domain, they profess to have faith. They have a worldwide perspective. Imitating Jesus is the only remedy for this. We should constantly strive to exalt God rather than ourselves, just as Jesus did. We have to know Him and honor His promises.
My Practice: People should be valued and appreciated regardless of how well they fit into our opinions and way of thinking. Instead, it ought to be determined by their sincerity and honesty.