Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 4, 2021
First Reading: Colossians 1.21-23
21And you, though you had been, in times past, understood to be foreigners and enemies, with works of evil22yet now he has reconciled you, by his body of flesh, through death, so as to offer you, holy and immaculate and blameless, before him23So then, continue in the faith: well-founded and steadfast and immovable, by the hope of the Gospel that you have heard, which has been preached throughout all creation under heaven, the Gospel of which I, Paul, have become a minister
Psalm 54
1Unto the end. In verses, the understanding of David, when the Ziphites had arrived and they said to Saul, "Has not David been hidden with us?". Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me in your virtue2O God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to the words of my mouth3For strangers have risen up against me, and the strong have sought my soul. And they have not set God before their eyes4For behold, God is my helper, and the Lord is the protector of my soul5Turn back the evils upon my adversaries, and ruin them by your truth6I will freely sacrifice to you, and I will confess your name, O God, because it is good7For you have quickly rescued me from all tribulation, and my eye has looked down upon my enemies
Gospel: Luke 6.1-5
1Now it happened that, on the second first Sabbath, as he passed through the grain field, his disciples were separating the ears of grain and eating them, by rubbing them in their hands2Then certain Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbaths?3And responding to them, Jesus said: "Have you not read this, what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him4How he entered into the house of God, and took the bread of the Presence, and ate it, and gave it to those who were with him, though it is not lawful for anyone to eat it, except the priests alone?5And he said to them, "For the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound messages that invite us to reflect on reconciliation, faith, and the true meaning of the Sabbath. The first reading from Colossians reminds us that through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been reconciled to God, restored to holiness, and called to stand firm in our faith. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees’ rigid understanding of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not the other way around. Jesus’ actions and words reveal that true observance of the Sabbath involves compassion, mercy, and meeting the needs of others.
The context of these readings is crucial. In Colossians, Paul is addressing a community that had once been alienated from God but is now reconciled through Christ’s death. He urges them to remain steadfast in their faith, rooted in the hope of the Gospel. In Luke, the Pharisees are focused on strict adherence to the law, but Jesus shifts the focus to the human heart and the importance of love over legalism. Both readings highlight the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live in a way that reflects this grace.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Are we rigid in our adherence to rules, or do we allow God’s love and mercy to guide our actions? The Colossians reading reminds us that our reconciliation with God is a gift that calls us to live with gratitude and integrity. The Gospel challenges us to see the Sabbath not as a burden but as an opportunity to rest, reflect, and serve others. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a reconciled child of God? Am I prioritizing love and compassion in my interactions with others? May we, like Jesus, bring light and life to those around us, remembering that the heart of God’s law is love.