Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 18, 2020
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15.12-20
12Now if Christ is preached, that he rose again from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead13For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen14And if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is useless, and your faith is also useless15Then, too, we would be found to be false witnesses of God, because we would have given testimony against God, saying that he had raised up Christ, when he had not raised him up, if, indeed, the dead do not rise again16For if the dead do not rise again, then neither has Christ risen again17But if Christ has not risen, then your faith is vain; for you would still be in your sins18Then, too, those who have fallen asleep in Christ would have perished19If we have hope in Christ for this life only, then we are more miserable than all men20But now Christ has risen again from the dead, as the first-fruits of those who sleep
Psalm 17
1A Prayer of David. Lord, listen to my justice, attend to my supplication. Pay attention to my prayer, which is not from deceitful lips2Let my judgment proceed from your presence. Let your eyes behold fairness3You have tested my heart and visited it by night. You have examined me by fire, and iniquity has not been found in me4Therefore, may my mouth not speak the works of men. I have kept to difficult ways because of the words of your lips5Perfect my steps in your paths, so that my footsteps may not be disturbed6I have cried out because you, O God, have listened to me. Incline your ear to me and heed my words7Make your mercies wonderful, for you save those who hope in you8From those who resist your right hand, preserve me like the pupil of your eye. Protect me under the shadow of your wings9from the face of the impious who have afflicted me. My enemies have surrounded my soul10They have concealed their fatness; their mouth has been speaking arrogantly11They have cast me out, and now they have surrounded me. They have cast their eyes down to the earth12They have taken me, like a lion ready for the prey, and like a young lion dwelling in hiding13Rise up, O Lord, arrive before him and displace him. Deliver my soul from the impious one: your spear from the enemies of your hand14Lord, divide them from the few of the earth in their life. Their gut has been filled from your hidden stores. They have been filled with sons, and they have bequeathed to their little ones the remainder15But as for me, I will appear before your sight in justice. I will be satisfied when your glory appears
Gospel: Luke 8.1-3
1And it happened afterwards that he was making a journey through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him2along with certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had departed3and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many other women, who were ministering to him from their resources
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections on faith and community. The first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 emphasizes the centrality of the resurrection of Christ. Paul argues that if Christ has not risen, then our faith is in vain, and our preaching is useless. This passage underscores the resurrection as the cornerstone of Christian belief, without which the entire edifice of our faith crumbles. The Gospel from Luke 8:1-3 shifts our focus to the community that gathered around Jesus. It highlights the diverse group of followers, including women who were healed and supported Jesus's ministry financially and through their service. This passage reminds us that faith is not a solitary journey but one that is lived out in community, supported by the contributions of many.
The readings are connected by the theme of faith in action. In Corinthians, Paul links the resurrection to the validity of our faith, while in Luke, we see faith expressed through the tangible support and companionship of Jesus's followers. Together, they remind us that faith is both a belief in the risen Christ and a way of life that is lived out in community and service. The women mentioned in Luke, such as Mary Magdalene and Joanna, exemplify this active faith. They were not merely passive followers but were deeply invested in Jesus's mission, using their resources and talents to sustain it.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to examine our own faith and how we live it out. Do we truly believe in the power of the resurrection, and does that belief shape our daily lives? Are we contributing to the community of faith, using our unique gifts and resources to support one another and further the kingdom of God? The resurrection gives us hope and purpose, but it also calls us to act. Let us strive to live as people who are transformed by the risen Christ, embracing both the hope of eternal life and the responsibility to serve others in love. In doing so, we become part of a living, breathing community that reflects the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.