Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 19, 2022
First Reading: Proverbs 3.27-34
27Do not prevent him who is able from doing good. When you are able, do good yourself too28Do not say to your friend: "Go away, and then return. Tomorrow I will give to you." When you are able to do so, give in the present29Do not undertake evil against your friend, even though he has trust in you30Do not contend against a man without cause, even though he has done no evil to you31Do not rival an unjust man, and do not imitate his ways32For everyone who ridicules is an abomination to the Lord, and his communication is for the simple33Destitution in the house of the impious is from the Lord. But the habitations of the just shall be blessed34He will ridicule those who ridicule, but he will bestow grace upon the mild
Psalm 15
1A Psalm of David. O Lord, who will dwell in your tabernacle? Or who will rest on your holy mountain2He who walks without blemish and who works justice3He who speaks the truth in his heart, who has not acted deceitfully with his tongue, and has not done evil to his neighbor, and has not taken up a reproach against his neighbors4In his sight, the malicious one has been reduced to nothing, but he glorifies those who fear the Lord. He who swears to his neighbor and does not deceive5He who has not given his money in usury, nor accepted bribes against the innocent. He who does these things will be undisturbed for eternity
Gospel: Luke 8.16-18
16Now no one, lighting a candle, covers it with a container, or sets it under a bed. Instead, he places it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light17For there is nothing secret, which will not be made clear, nor is there anything hidden, which will not be known and be brought into plain sight18Therefore, take care how you listen. For whoever has, it will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.
Sermon
The first reading from Proverbs reminds us of the importance of living with integrity and generosity. It warns against withholding good from those who need it and against plotting harm against others, even those who trust us. The passage emphasizes the consequences of our actions: the unjust will face ridicule, while the humble and the just will receive God’s blessing. It calls us to reflect on how we treat others and whether our actions align with God’s will.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the responsibility that comes with receiving God’s gifts. Jesus uses the image of a lamp to illustrate that light is meant to be shared, not hidden. He warns that our response to God’s word determines whether we will receive more or lose even what we have. This teaching challenges us to consider how we listen to and live out the Gospel in our daily lives. Just as light must shine openly, our faith must be visible and active in the world.
Together, these readings invite us to live with openness, generosity, and accountability. They remind us that our actions have consequences and that we are called to be stewards of God’s grace. Let us ask ourselves: Are we withholding good from others? Are we living our faith in a way that illuminates the world? May we strive to live with integrity, share God’s light freely, and trust in His providence.