Today's Mass Reading Novels & Stories

“Sitting on the throne of heaven, King of kings, the most merciful Lord, my God, the only one who loves me the most, I thank you for giving me the opportunity to see this day today. Therefore, I pray to you that your name may be considered holy, your kingdom may come. Just as your wish is fulfilled in heaven, so shall it be on earth. Today, give us our whole day’s bread and not bring us to the test, but keep us safe from evil. And if I have committed any offence, by mistake or intentionally, then forgive my offences.”

The priest steps forward with practiced calm, smoothing the front of his black robes before resting both hands on the lectern. His voice carries easily through the room, measured, warm, reverent. “We are gathered here today to honor the life of Elena Moretti,” he begins. “A woman known not for the power attached to her name, but for the kindness she chose to show despite it.” I close my eyes.

It always made my chest tighten whenever I looked at it for too long. Beside me, another sister knelt, her head bowed deeply in prayer. “Hail Mary, full of grace…” she whispered softly. “The Lord is with thee…” I continued, my voice calm, steady. “Blessed art thou among women…” “And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.” Our voices blended together, low and reverent, filling the empty chapel with a quiet rhythm. “Holy Mary, Mother of God…” “Pray for us sinners…” “Now and at the hour of our death…”

Sunbathing in my imagination. Temptation, get behind me! Please! Please, get behind me! Okay, wait. I closed my eyes again, whispering the familiar words, clinging to them like a lifeline. Making the sign of the cross, tracing the familiar pattern against my chest. Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

"Latin?" "Yeah." I smiled at him again. "Ever heard of it?" "No. Translate it, please?" "Sure. It's St. Benedict's prayer." I cleared my throat. "Crux Sacra Sit Mihi Lux would be: The Holy Cross be my light. Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux is: May the dragon never be my guide. Vade Retro Satana means: Get away, Satan. And Nunquam Suadeas Mihi Vana would be: Never tempt me with your vanities."

Slower exhale. The rhythm of the Mass arrived without being summoned. It did not ask whether she was ready. It simply began, as it always did. The priest’s voice rose and fell with practiced steadiness, neither rushing nor lingering. The words landed and lifted, familiar enough to require no effort. Kneel. Stand. Sit. The motions carried her where thought did not need to follow. Peter’s breathing beside her found the same rhythm, slow and measured, as if he, too, was learning how to be made lighter.

But today, my voice must tremble. The mass first unfolds like a familiar river: hymns, prayers, readings. My mouth articulates, my hands bless, but I feel the moment approaching like a storm behind the mountain. The end comes. The silence of the congregation, attentive, suspended. I stand behind the altar, but I no longer hide my eyes. — My brothers, my sisters… A sigh runs through the nave, as if all held their breath. — I have a word to entrust to you. Not an announcement of dates or feasts. But a word of truth.

He had opened the parchment now, and the frown on his face made Jide wonder if he was disgusted by the useless symbols or by the smell of dirty parchment. “There is a message here. Do you consent I read it for you?” A message? That part stuck Jide like lightning. How on earth can the disarray on the parchment be a message? “I consent sir.” The man nodded and returned to the lectern. “Praise the name of the lord.” “Amen!!” the people chorused in unison. “Today, light has shone in the dark, and the long-awaited day is here.”

As the darkness eats the light, the drum in my chest grows stronger. "PATER NOSTER, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostrils. Et ne nos induce in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen." I looked at old man Poso. I couldn't pay attention to what he was saying, but I also couldn't help but feel like the prayer was familiar to me. I don't know where I heard it but he is very familiar to me.

says Calix while placing the ring on Audrey's finger. This priest started praying over bread and wine. It's believed to transform them into the Holy Eucharist, or the body and blood of Christ. The guests kneel and bow their heads during this part of the mass, which is considered to be the most sacred. The priest sings the Lord's Prayer in unison. Everyone is encouraged to hold hands, but it's not mandatory.