Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 8, 2021
First Reading: Wisdom 1.1-7
1Love justice, you who judge the land. Think of the Lord in goodness and seek him in simplicity of heart2For he is found by those who do not test him, yet he reveals himself to those who have faith in him3For perverse thoughts separate from God. But his virtue, when it is tested, corrects the foolish4For wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subdued by sin5For the holy spirit of instruction will flee from falsehood, and he will withdraw himself from thoughts that are without understanding, and he will not be reached when iniquity overcomes6For the spirit of wisdom is benevolent, and will not release the evil speaker from his talk, because God is a witness of his temperament, and a true examiner of his heart, and an auditor of his words7For the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and he who contains all things, retains knowledge of every voice
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 17.1-6
1And he said to his disciples: "It is impossible for scandals not to occur. But woe to him through whom they come2It would be better for him if a millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than to lead astray one of these little ones3Be attentive to yourselves. If your brother has sinned against you, correct him. And if he has repented, forgive him4And if he has sinned against you seven times a day, and seven times a day has turned back to you, saying, ‘I am sorry,’ then forgive him.5And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith.6But the Lord said: "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you may say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be transplanted into the sea.’ And it would obey you
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the essence of a virtuous life and the power of faith. The first reading from Wisdom encourages us to seek God with a pure heart, emphasizing justice and simplicity. It warns that wisdom eludes those consumed by malice and sin, highlighting the importance of living a life aligned with divine values. The Gospel from Luke complements this by focusing on the responsibilities of discipleship, urging us to avoid causing scandals and to embrace forgiveness, even when it is challenging. Jesus underscores the transformative power of faith, comparing it to a mustard seed capable of moving mountains.
These readings are contextually rich. Wisdom, part of the deuterocanonical literature, was written to inspire fidelity among the Jewish community, while Luke's Gospel captures Jesus' teachings on communal living and discipleship. Together, they emphasize the interconnectedness of virtue and faith. The first reading sets the stage by highlighting the need for purity and justice, which aligns with Jesus' teachings on avoiding scandal and practicing forgiveness. This connection underscores the importance of living a life that reflects our faith in action.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to integrity and mindfulness. We must avoid actions that could lead others astray and embrace forgiveness as a cornerstone of our relationships. Even a small amount of faith can have a profound impact, empowering us to overcome challenges. The moral lesson here is clear: living with integrity, avoiding sin, and cultivating faith and forgiveness are essential for a healthy spiritual life and community. Let us strive to embody these teachings, allowing our faith to guide us in living justly and seeking God with simplicity.