SATURDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, JANUARY 31, 2026

(A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.)

MASS READINGS

Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

A clean heart create for me, O God,  

and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence,

 and your Holy Spirit take not from me

.R.  Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,  

and a willing spirit sustain in me.

I will teach transgressors your ways,           

 and sinners shall return to you

.R    Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God, 

then my tongue shall revel in your justice.

O Lord, open my lips, 

 and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

R. Create a clean heart in me, O God.

REFLECTION

Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Sin is not a mistake, not a misunderstanding, not arbitrary rules that most of the time don't hurt anyone, nor a minor infraction.

We may think erroneously that compared to what other people do, we are "walking saints". NOT TRUE!!

Sin is about a wounded relationship with God. There are confessors who give as penance the rosary or reading and contemplating Psalm 51.

Psalm 51 makes no excuses but instead it opens up with humility. Our communion with God is wounded, fractured and only He can heal what sin has damaged. When we lay bare our souls, mercy and grace rush in. And He, and only He, can create a clean heart in me.

Oh, God, thank you for the sacrament of confession.

God Bless You