Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 28, 2017
First Reading: Ephesians 2.19-22
19Now, therefore, you are no longer visitors and new arrivals. Instead, you are citizens among the saints in the household of God20having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the preeminent cornerstone21In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord22In him, you also have been built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit
Psalm 19
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. The heavens describe the glory of God, and the firmament announces the work of his hands2Day proclaims the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge3There are no speeches or conversations, where their voices are not being heard4Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world5He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom. He has exulted like a giant running along the way6his departure is from the summit of heaven. And his course reaches all the way to its summit. Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat7The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones8The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes9The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves10desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb11For, indeed, your servant keeps them, and in keeping them, there are many rewards12Who can understand transgression? From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord13and from those of others, spare your servant. If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression14And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer
Gospel: Luke 6.12-19
12And it happened that, in those days, he went out to a mountain to pray. And he was in the prayer of God throughout the night13And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles)14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew15Matthew and Thomas, James of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called the Zealot16and Jude of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor17And descending with them, he stood in a level place with a multitude of his disciples, and a copious multitude of people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast, and Tyre and Sidon18who had come so that they might listen to him and be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured19And the entire crowd was trying to touch him, because power went out from him and healed all
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound truths about our identity and purpose as followers of Christ. The first reading from Ephesians 2:19-22 highlights our status as citizens in God's household, built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity and belonging within the body of Christ, where each member contributes to the construction of a holy temple in the Lord. The second reading from Luke 6:12-19 illustrates Jesus' prayerful selection of the twelve Apostles, followed by His ministry of healing and teaching to a multitude. This passage underscores Jesus' divine wisdom in choosing His disciples and His compassion in healing both physical and spiritual ailments.
The context of Ephesians is a letter to the early Christian community, stressing the unity and solidarity of believers in Christ. It reminds us that we are not strangers but part of a larger family, with Christ as our foundation. In Luke, the context is Jesus' public ministry, where He prayerfully selects His disciples and begins His mission of preaching and healing. These readings relate to each other by emphasizing the importance of community and the role of Christ as the foundation and healer of that community.
Applying this to our daily lives, we are called to recognize our role within the body of Christ and to support one another in building up the community. Just as the early church was built on a strong foundation, our lives should be grounded in faith, hope, and love. We are each called to be part of God's plan, using our unique gifts to contribute to the greater good. The moral lesson here is one of unity and purpose. We are all part of God's household, and our actions should reflect our commitment to building up the community and spreading the message of Christ. Let us strive to live as citizens of God's kingdom, united in our faith and purpose.