Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 19, 2021
First Reading: Romans 5.12-21
12Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into this world, and through sin, death; so also death was transferred to all men, to all who have sinned13For even before the law, sin was in the world, but sin was not imputed while the law did not exist14Yet death reigned from Adam until Moses, even in those who have not sinned, in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a figure of him who was to come15But the gift is not entirely like the offense. For though by the offense of one, many died, yet much more so, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, has the grace and gift of God abounded to many16And the sin through one is not entirely like the gift. For certainly, the judgment of one was unto condemnation, but the grace toward many offenses is unto justification17For though, by the one offense, death reigned through one, yet so much more so shall those who receive an abundance of grace, both of the gift and of justice, reign in life through the one Jesus Christ18Therefore, just as through the offense of one, all men fell under condemnation, so also through the justice of one, all men fall under justification unto life19For, just as through the disobedience of one man, many were established as sinners, so also through the obedience of one man, many shall be established as just20Now the law entered in such a way that offenses would abound. But where offenses were abundant, grace was superabundant21So then, just as sin has reigned unto death, so also may grace reign through justice unto eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord
Psalm 40
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David himself. I have waited expectantly for the Lord, and he was attentive to me2And he heard my prayers and he led me out of the pit of misery and the quagmire. And he stationed my feet upon a rock, and he directed my steps3And he sent a new canticle into my mouth, a song to our God. Many will see, and they will fear; and they will hope in the Lord4Blessed is the man whose hope is in the name of the Lord, and who has no respect for vanities and absurd falsehoods5You have accomplished your many wonders, O Lord my God, and there is no one similar to you in your thoughts. I have announced and I have spoken: they are multiplied beyond number6Sacrifice and oblation, you did not want. But you have perfected ears for me. Holocaust and sin offering, you did not require7Then I said, "Behold, I draw near." At the head of the book, it has been written of me8that I should do your will. My God, I have willed it. And your law is in the midst of my heart9I have announced your justice in a great Church: behold, I will not restrain my lips. O Lord, you have known it10I have not concealed your justice within my heart. I have spoken your truth and your salvation. I have not concealed your mercy and your truth from a great assembly11O Lord, do not take your tender mercies far from me. Your mercy and your truth ever sustain me12For evils without number have surrounded me. My iniquities have taken hold of me, and I was not able to see. They have been multiplied beyond the hairs of my head. And my heart has forsaken me13Be pleased, O Lord, to rescue me. Look down, O Lord, to help me14Let them together be confounded and awed, who seek after my soul to steal it away. Let them be turned back and be in awe, who wish evils upon me15Let them bear their confusion all at once, who say to me, "Well, well.16Let all who seek you exult and rejoice over you. And let those who love your salvation always say, "May the Lord be magnified.17But I am a beggar and poor. The Lord has been concerned about me. You are my helper and my protector. My God, do not delay
Gospel: Luke 12.35-38
35Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands36And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding; so that, when he arrives and knocks, they may open to him promptly37Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he returns, will find being vigilant. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, while he, continuing on, will minister to them38And if he will return in the second watch, or if in the third watch, and if he will find them to be so: then blessed are those servants
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the profound contrast between sin and grace, and the call to vigilant faithfulness. The first reading from Romans 5:12-21 presents a theological reflection on the entrance of sin through Adam and the superabundance of grace through Christ. Paul highlights that just as Adam's disobedience led to death, Christ's obedience brings justification and life. This passage underscores the universal impact of sin and the even greater power of God's grace.
The Gospel from Luke 12:35-38 shifts focus to the importance of preparedness and faithfulness. Jesus uses the metaphor of servants awaiting their master's return to emphasize the need for constant vigilance. The servants who are found ready when the master arrives are not only rewarded but also invited to share in a special relationship, where the master serves them. This passage invites us to reflect on our own readiness to meet the Lord, not out of fear, but out of love and commitment.
Together, these readings remind us that our actions have consequences, much like Adam's sin and Christ's grace. While sin leads to death, grace offers us life and justification. The call to be vigilant servants encourages us to live each day with purpose and integrity, recognizing that our choices impact not only ourselves but others. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to embrace God's grace and live faithfully, knowing that our actions matter. Let us strive to be stewards of grace, living in gratitude and readiness for the Lord's return.