Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 20, 2017
First Reading: Romans 4.1-8
1So then, what shall we say that Abraham had achieved, who is our father according to the flesh2For if Abraham was justified by works, he would have glory, but not with God3For what does Scripture say? "Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.4But for he who works, wages are not accounted according to grace, but according to debt5Yet truly, for he who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the impious, his faith is reputed unto justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God6Similarly, David also declares the blessedness of a man, to whom God brings justice without works7"Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin.
Psalm 32
1The understanding of David himself. Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no deceit3Because I was silent, my bones grew old, while still I cried out all day long4For, day and night, your hand was heavy upon me. I have been converted in my anguish, while still the thorn is piercing5I have acknowledged my offense to you, and I have not concealed my injustice. I said, "I will confess against myself, my injustice to the Lord," and you forgave the impiety of my sin6For this, everyone who is holy will pray to you in due time. Yet truly, in a flood of many waters, they will not draw near to him7You are my refuge from the tribulation that has surrounded me. You are my exultation: rescue me from those who are surrounding me8I will give you understanding, and I will instruct you in this way, in which you will walk. I will fix my eyes upon you9Do not become like the horse and the mule, which have no understanding. Their jaws are constrained with bit and bridle, so as not to draw near to you10Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround him that hopes in the Lord11Rejoice in the Lord and exult, you just ones, and glory, all you upright of heart
Gospel: Luke 12.1-7
1Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy2For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known3For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops4So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do5But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him6Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God7But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, grace, and the nature of God’s justice. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his belief in God’s promise. This highlights the central Christian teaching that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through our actions. The Psalm and the Gospel then build on this theme, urging us to trust in God’s providence and to live with integrity, unafraid of earthly powers, because we are cherished by our heavenly Father.
The readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the transformative power of faith and the call to live authentically. In Romans, Paul contrasts faith and works, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from trusting in God’s mercy. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, reminding us that our true selves will be revealed, and He encourages us to fear not the opinions of others but the judgment of God. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith—whether we do so with sincerity and trust in God’s love.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through superficial actions? Are we living with the kind of integrity that reflects our faith, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy? Jesus assures us that we are worth more than many sparrows, and every detail of our lives is known and loved by God. Let us embrace this truth and live with courage, trusting that His justice and mercy will guide us. May we, like Abraham, be people of faith, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love.