Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 26, 2021
First Reading: Numbers 11.25-29
25And the Lord descended in a cloud, and he spoke to him, taking from the Spirit which was in Moses, and giving to the seventy men. And when the Spirit had rested in them, they prophesied; nor did they cease afterwards26Now there had remained in the camp two of the men, of whom one was called Eldad, and the other Medad, upon whom the Spirit rested; for they also had been enrolled, but they did not go forth to the tabernacle27And when they were prophesying in the camp, a boy ran and reported to Moses, saying: "Eldad and Medad prophesy in the camp.28Promptly, Joshua the son of Nun, the minister of Moses and chosen from many, said: "My lord Moses, prohibit them.29But he said, "Why are you jealous on my behalf? Who decides that any of the people may prophesy and that God may give to them his Spirit?
Psalm 19
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. The heavens describe the glory of God, and the firmament announces the work of his hands2Day proclaims the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge3There are no speeches or conversations, where their voices are not being heard4Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world5He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom. He has exulted like a giant running along the way6his departure is from the summit of heaven. And his course reaches all the way to its summit. Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat7The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones8The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes9The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves10desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb11For, indeed, your servant keeps them, and in keeping them, there are many rewards12Who can understand transgression? From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord13and from those of others, spare your servant. If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression14And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer
Second Reading: James 5.1-6
1Act now, you who are wealthy! Weep and wail in your miseries, which will soon come upon you2Your riches have been corrupted, and your garments have been eaten by moths3Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be a testimony against you, and it will eat away at your flesh like fire. You have stored up wrath for yourselves unto the last days4Consider the pay of the workers who reaped your fields: it has been misappropriated by you; it cries out. And their cry has entered into the ears of the Lord of hosts5You have feasted upon the earth, and you have nourished your hearts with luxuries, unto the day of slaughter6You led away and killed the Just One, and he did not resist you
Gospel: Mark 9.38-43, 45, 47-48
38John responded to him by saying, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name; he does not follow us, and so we prohibited him.39But Jesus said: "Do not prohibit him. For there is no one who can act with virtue in my name and soon speak evil about me40For whoever is not against you is for you41For whoever, in my name, will give you a cup of water to drink, because you belong to Christ: Amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward42And whoever will have scandalized one of these little ones who believe in me: it would be better for him if a great millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea43And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life disabled, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the unquenchable fire45But if your foot causes you to sin, chop it off: it is better for you to enter into eternal life lame, than having two feet to be cast into the Hell of unquenchable fire47But if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out: it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into the Hell of fire48where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about humility, inclusion, and the responsible use of God’s gifts. The first reading from Numbers reminds us of Moses’ humility when he refused to restrict the Spirit’s movement. The Spirit rested on Eldad and Medad, who, though not with Moses, still prophesied. This teaches us that God’s gifts are not confined to a select few but can manifest in anyone, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and embracing the divine in others.
The second reading from James offers a stark warning to the wealthy about the corruption of riches and the exploitation of others. It calls us to reflect on how we use our resources, urging us to act justly and compassionately. This reading challenges us to consider the ethical implications of our wealth and actions, reminding us that true wealth lies in our relationship with God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about inclusion and the seriousness of causing others to sin. He encourages them not to hinder those doing good in His name, even if they are not part of their group. This lesson extends to our daily lives, urging us to be open to God’s work beyond our immediate circles and to be mindful of our influence on others, especially the vulnerable.
These readings collectively call us to humility, openness, and responsibility. They remind us to embrace God’s presence in others, use our resources justly, and be mindful of our actions’ impact. Let us strive to live these lessons, fostering an inclusive and compassionate community that reflects God’s love.