Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 9, 2020
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 7.1, 17, 25-31
1Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman17However, let each one walk just as the Lord has distributed to him, each one just as God has called him. And thus do I teach in all the churches25Now, concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord. But I give counsel, as one who has obtained the mercy of the Lord, so as to be faithful26Therefore, I consider this to be good, because of the present necessity: that it is good for a man to be such as I am27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be freed. Are you free of a wife? Do not seek a wife28But if you take a wife, you have not sinned. And if a virgin has married, she has not sinned. Even so, such as these will have the tribulation of the flesh. But I would spare you from this29And so, this is what I say, brothers: The time is short. What remains of it is such that: those who have wives should be as if they had none30and those who weep, as though they were not weeping; and those who rejoice, as if they were not rejoicing; and those who buy, as if they possessed nothing31and those who use the things of this world, as if they were not using them. For the figure of this world is passing away
Psalm 45
1Unto the end. For those who will be changed. To the sons of Korah, toward understanding. A Canticle for the Beloved. My heart has uttered a good word. I speak of my works to the king. My tongue is like the pen of a scribe who writes quickly2You are a brilliant form before the sons of men. Grace has been poured freely into your lips. Because of this, God has blessed you in eternity3Fasten your sword to your thigh, O most powerful one4With your splendor and your excellence extended, proceed prosperously, and reign for the sake of truth and meekness and justice, and so will your right hand lead you wondrously5Your arrows are sharp; the people will fall under you, with the hearts of the enemies of the king6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of true aim7You have loved justice and hated iniquity. Because of this, God, your God, has anointed you, before your co-heirs, with the oil of gladness8Myrrh and balsam and cinnamon perfume your garments, from the houses of ivory. From these, they have delighted you9the daughters of kings in your honor. The queen assisted at your right hand, in clothing of gold, encircled with diversity10Listen, daughter, and see, and incline your ear. And forget your people and your father’s house11And the king will desire your beauty. For he is the Lord your God, and they will adore him12And the daughters of Tyre will entreat your countenance with gifts: all the rich men of the people13All the glory of the daughter of its king is inside, in golden fringes14clothed all around with diversities. After her, virgins will be led to the king. Her neighbors will be brought to you15They will be brought with gladness and exultation. They will be led into the temple of the king16For your fathers, sons have been born to you. You will establish them as leaders over all the earth17They will remember your name always, for generation after generation. Because of this, people will confess to you in eternity, even forever and ever
Gospel: Luke 6.20-26
20And lifting up his eyes to his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God21Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who are weeping now, for you shall laugh22Blessed shall you be when men will have hated you, and when they will have separated you and reproached you, and thrown out your name as if evil, because of the Son of man23Be glad in that day and exult. For behold, your reward is great in heaven. For these same things their fathers did to the prophets24Yet truly, woe to you who are wealthy, for you have your consolation25Woe to you who are satisfied, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep26Woe to you when men will have blessed you. For these same things their fathers did to the false prophets
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on how we live our lives in light of God’s call and the values of the Kingdom. The first reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the importance of living according to one’s calling, whether married or single, and reminds us that the time is short. Paul encourages us to live with detachment, not becoming too entangled in the things of this world, for they are passing away. The Gospel from Luke presents the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, while issuing a warning to those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now. These teachings challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and align our lives with the values of humility, compassion, and trust in God.
The readings are connected by their focus on living a life detached from worldly concerns and centered on God. Paul’s advice to the Corinthians about marriage and celibacy is not about discouraging marriage but about encouraging all people to live their lives in a way that reflects their ultimate commitment to God. Similarly, Jesus’ Beatitudes call us to embrace a life of simplicity, humility, and trust in God’s providence. Both readings remind us that our true consolation and fulfillment come not from this world but from God.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with a sense of detachment and gratitude. Whether married or single, we are to use the gifts and circumstances of our lives to serve God and others. We are to avoid becoming too comfortable or complacent, remembering that our ultimate home is in heaven. Let us strive to live simply, trust in God’s plan, and find joy in serving others. May we embrace the values of the Kingdom, knowing that our true reward is not in this world but in the life to come.