Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 6, 2020
First Reading: Galatians 1.13-24
13For you have heard of my former behavior within Judaism: that, beyond measure, I persecuted the Church of God and fought against Her14And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my equals among my own kind, having proven to be more abundant in zeal toward the traditions of my fathers15But, when it pleased him who, from my mother’s womb, had set me apart, and who has called me by his grace16to reveal his Son within me, so that I might evangelize him among the Gentiles, I did not next seek the consent of flesh and blood17Neither did I go to Jerusalem, to those who were Apostles before me. Instead, I went into Arabia, and next I returned to Damascus18And then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem to see Peter; and I stayed with him for fifteen days19But I saw none of the other Apostles, except James, the brother of the Lord20Now what I am writing to you: behold, before God, I am not lying21Next, I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia22But I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ23For they had only heard that: "He, who formerly persecuted us, now evangelizes the faith which he once fought.24And they glorified God in me
Psalm 139
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. O Lord, you have examined me, and you have known me2You have known my sitting down and my rising up again3You have understood my thoughts from afar. My path and my fate, you have investigated4And you have foreseen all my ways. For there is no word in my tongue5Behold, O Lord, you have known all things: the newest and the very old. You have formed me, and you have placed your hand over me6Your knowledge has become a wonder to me. It has been reinforced, and I am not able to prevail against it7Where will I go from your Spirit? And where will I flee from your face8If I ascend into heaven, you are there. If I descend into Hell, you are near9If I assume my feathers in early morning, and dwell in the utmost parts of the sea10even there, your hand will lead me forth, and your right hand will hold me11And I said: Perhaps darkness will overwhelm me, and the night will be my illumination, to my delight12But darkness will not be impenetrable to you, and night will illuminate like the day: for just as its darkness is, so also is its light13For you have possessed my temperament. You have supported me from the womb of my mother14I will confess to you, for you have been magnified terribly. Your works are miraculous, as my soul knows exceedingly well15My bone, which you have made in secret, has not been hidden from you, and my substance is in accord with the lower parts of the earth16Your eyes saw my imperfection, and all this shall be written in your book. Days will be formed, and no one shall be in them17But to me, O God, your friends have been greatly honored. Their first ruler has been exceedingly strengthened18I will number them, and they will be more numerous than the sand. I rose up, and I am still with you19O God, if only you would cut down sinners. You men of blood: depart from me20For you say in thought: They will accept your cities in vain21Have I not hated those who hated you, Lord, and wasted away because of your enemies22I have hated them with a perfect hatred, and they have become enemies to me23Examine me, O God, and know my heart. Question me, and know my paths24And see if there might be in me the way of iniquity, and lead me in the way of eternity
Gospel: Luke 10.38-42
38Now it happened that, while they were traveling, he entered into a certain town. And a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her home39And she had a sister, named Mary, who, while sitting beside the Lord’s feet, was listening to his word40Now Martha was continually busying herself with serving. And she stood still and said: "Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, speak to her, so that she may help me.41And the Lord responded by saying to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled over many things42And yet only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the best portion, and it shall not be taken away from her.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our priorities in life. The first reading from Galatians recounts St. Paul’s dramatic conversion and his call to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Once a fierce persecutor of the Church, Paul was transformed by God’s grace and became a zealous missionary. His journey reminds us that God can take even the most unlikely person and use them for extraordinary purposes when they surrender to His will. The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene: Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home. While Martha is consumed by the busyness of serving, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Jesus gently reminds Martha that while service is good, it is more important to prioritize time with Him.
These readings are connected by the theme of response to God’s call. Paul’s life was radically redirected by God’s grace, and he spent the rest of his days spreading the Good News. Similarly, Mary’s choice to listen to Jesus reflects her desire to prioritize the spiritual over the temporal. Both stories challenge us to examine how we respond to God’s presence in our lives. Are we like Martha, getting caught up in the distractions and anxieties of the world, or are we like Mary, seeking to deepen our relationship with God?
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: What is the “one thing necessary” in our lives? In a world that often values productivity and busyness, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Like Mary, we are called to create space for prayer, reflection, and intimacy with God. And like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s grace and to share His love with others, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. May we learn to balance our active lives with a deep inner stillness, remembering that it is in sitting at the feet of Jesus that we find true peace and purpose.