Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection March 31, 2026

31st March 2026 (Tuesday)

Psalter: Week 2

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Isaiah 49:1-6

Listen to me, O coastlands, and give attention, you peoples from afar. The Lord called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have laboured in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.” And now the Lord says, he who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him; and that Israel might be gathered to him—for I am honoured in the eyes of the Lord, and my God has become my strength—he says: “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Psalm 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17 (R. see 15ab)

R/. My mouth will tell of your salvation, Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ

R/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ

V/. Hail to you, our King, obedient to the Father; you were led to your crucifixion like a gentle lamb to the slaughter.

R/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ

Gospel: John 13:21-33, 36-38

At that time: [Jesus, reclining with his disciples,] was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus’ side, so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus of whom he was speaking. So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas had the money bag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterwards.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow till you have denied me three times.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Tuesday – Holy Week

Main Point: Betrayal is the most horrible thing that can happen to a person. Not having love and faith may be easier to deal with than being betrayed by love and faith. This is what Jesus went through.

1. Jesus was very upset in his heart because he knew that one of his closest friends would betray him. Jesus says, “It is he to whom I will give the piece of bread when I have dipped it.” Betrayal hurts so much, particularly when it comes from someone we trusted, cared about, and gave a lot to.

2. It wasn’t the betrayal that hurt him so deeply; it was who deceived him. The Lord picked Judas Iscariot for a specific role. He stayed with Jesus and learned a lot. As the procurator, he was also given the important job of managing money.

3. But he still betrayed. Why? The gospel episode also makes the cause quite obvious. Judas Iscariot left Jesus’ company at night. And night always means dark. So, of course, Judas, who was wandering in darkness, betrayed Jesus, who is the genuine light. So, when we walk in the dark, we shall go against Jesus and be traitors like Judas Iscariot.

4. Judas was possessed by Satan, as it is said, “Satan entered into him.” But it is troubling to see that this occurred “after he had taken the morsel.” Jesus shared the bread with him. It showed that they were connected and belonged together. But this does not stop him from doing anything bad. This makes it evident that just saying you believe in Jesus doesn’t mean you will be faithful. Only a stronger and more intimate dedication can make the connection with Jesus last.

5. We also see Peter’s arrogant declaration, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?” “I will give my life for you.” “Will you give your life for me?” Jesus asks him, bringing him back to his senses. I tell you the truth: the rooster will not crow until you have refused me three times.

6. This one again illustrates that we can’t be sure of our allegiance. We are weak and can never rely only on our own power and say that we are unshaken.

My Practice: Our weakness will be very clear, and we will be more likely to stumble, particularly when things become tough. It is preferable to give our worries to the Lord and get our strength from him.