Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 25, 2020
First Reading: Ecclesiastes 3.1-11
1All things have their time, and all things under heaven continue during their interval2A time to be born, and a time to die. A time to plant, and a time to pull up what was planted3A time to kill, and a time to heal. A time to tear down, and a time to build up4A time to weep, and a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to dance5A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather. A time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces6A time to gain, and a time to lose. A time to keep, and a time to cast away7A time to rend, and a time to sew. A time to be silent, and a time to speak8A time of love, and a time of hatred. A time of war, and a time of peace9What more does a man have from his labor10I have seen the affliction that God has given to the sons of men, in order that they may be occupied by it11He has made all things good in their time, and he has handed over the world to their disputes, so that man may not discover the work which God made from the beginning, even until the end
Psalm 144
1A Psalm of David versus Goliath. Blessed is the Lord, my God, who trains my hands for the battle and my fingers for the war2My mercy and my refuge, my supporter and my deliverer, my protector and him in whom I have hoped: he subdues my people under me3O Lord, what is man that you have become known to him? Or the son of man that you consider him4Man has been made similar to vanity. His days pass by like a shadow5O Lord, incline your heavens and descend. Touch the mountains, and they will smoke6Send a flash of lightning, and you will scatter them. Shoot your arrows, and you will set them in disarray7Send forth your hand from on high: rescue me, and free me from many waters, from the hand of the sons of foreigners8Their mouth has been speaking vain things, and their right hand is the right hand of iniquity9To you, O God, I will sing a new song. On the psaltery, with an instrument of ten strings, I will sing psalms to you10He gives salvation to kings. He has redeemed your servant David from the malignant sword11Rescue me, and deliver me from the hand of the sons of foreigners. Their mouth has been speaking vain things, and their right hand is the right hand of iniquity12Their sons are like new plantings in their youth. Their daughters are dressed up: adorned all around like the idols of a temple13Their cupboards are full: overflowing from one thing into another. Their sheep bear young, brought forth in abundance14Their cattle are fat. There is no ruined wall or passage, nor anyone crying out in their streets15They have called the people that has these things: blessed. But blessed is the people whose God is the Lord
Gospel: Luke 9.18-22
18And it happened that, when he was praying alone, his disciples also were with him, and he questioned them, saying: "Who do the multitudes say that I am?19But they answered by saying: "John the Baptist. But some say Elijah. Yet truly, others say that one of the prophets from before has risen again.20Then he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" In response, Simon Peter said, "The Christ of God.21But speaking sharply to them, he instructed them not to tell this to anyone22saying, "For the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the leaders of the priests and the scribes, and be killed, and on the third day rise again.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound reflections that guide us in understanding the mysteries of life and faith. The first reading from Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is a series of seasons, each with its appointed time. It speaks of the natural order of birth and death, planting and harvesting, and the balance between joy and sorrow. This passage invites us to embrace the rhythm of life, trusting that God's timing is perfect, even when we cannot fully comprehend it.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus. Here, Jesus asks his disciples about his identity, and Peter confesses him as the Christ. Jesus then reveals the necessity of his suffering, death, and resurrection. This passage underscores the central mystery of our faith: that through apparent defeat and darkness, God brings about redemption and life.
These readings connect in their emphasis on trust and faith in God's plan. Ecclesiastes teaches us to accept the seasons of life with patience and trust, while Luke shows us that even in the face of suffering, God's plan unfolds for our salvation. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace both the joys and the challenges, knowing that they are part of a larger divine design. Let us learn to trust in God's timing and to see His hand at work, even in the most difficult moments.