I, like a green olive tree in the house of God, Trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. I trust in the mercy of God for ever.

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 4:38-44) today's readings).

At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place. The crowds went looking for him, and when they came to him, they tried to prevent him from leaving them. But he said to them, "To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent."

The day before the crowds go looking for Jesus, he cured Simon's mother-in-law and later cured sick people with various diseases. Jesus exorcized demons from many people, and the demons recognized who Jesus was, calling him the Son of God. Word must have spread quickly for the crowds to go looking for Jesus in a deserted place. In his actions, Jesus proclaims the Gospel and makes clear his purpose as the Son of God. The Gospel acclamation also spells out his purpose: "The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives."

God, deepen my understanding for the work your Son accomplished through his earthly mission and for his example of proclaiming the Gospel without counting the cost. "I must proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God," he said, "because for this purpose I have been sent." Give me the grace today and every day to understand the purpose you have for me as I give witness to Christ through my words and actions. I can't do this through my own will but through my hope and trust in your continuous outpouring of grace. "I trust in the mercy of God for ever." You are truly present in the Eucharist, Lord; let me come to you there.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.