Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 5, 2023
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-6, 9-11
1But concerning dates and times, brothers, you do not need us to write to you2For you yourselves thoroughly understand that the day of the Lord shall arrive much like a thief in the night3For when they will say, "Peace and security!" then destruction will suddenly overwhelm them, like the labor pains of a woman with child, and they will not escape4But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that you would be overtaken by that day as by a thief5For all of you are sons of light and sons of daytime; we are not of nighttime, nor of darkness6Therefore, let us not sleep, as the rest do. Instead, we should be vigilant and sober9For God has not appointed us for wrath, but for the acquisition of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ10who died for us, so that, whether we watch, or whether we sleep, we may live in union with him11Because of this, console one another and build up one another, just as you are doing
Psalm 27
1A Psalm of David, before he was sealed. The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the protector of my life, of whom shall I be afraid2Meanwhile, the guilty draw near to me, so as to eat my flesh. Those who trouble me, my enemies, have themselves been weakened and have fallen3If entrenched armies were to stand together against me, my heart would not fear. If a battle were to rise up against me, I would have hope in this4One thing I have asked of the Lord, this I will seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, so that I may behold the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple5For he has hidden me in his tabernacle. In the day of evils, he has protected me in the hidden place of his tabernacle6He has exalted me upon the rock, and now he has exalted my head above my enemies. I have circled around and offered a sacrifice of loud exclamation in his tabernacle. I will sing, and I will compose a psalm, to the Lord7Hear my voice, O Lord, with which I have cried out to you. Have mercy on me, and hear me8My heart has spoken to you; my face has sought you. I yearn for your face, O Lord9Do not turn your face away from me. In your wrath, do not turn aside from your servant. Be my helper. Do not abandon me, and do not despise me, O God, my Saviour10For my father and my mother have left me behind, but the Lord has taken me up11O Lord, establish a law for me in your way, and direct me in the right path, because of my enemies12Do not surrender me to the souls of those who trouble me. For unjust witnesses have risen up against me, and iniquity has lied to itself13I believe that I shall see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living14Wait for the Lord, act manfully; and let your heart be strengthened, and remain with the Lord
Gospel: Luke 4.31-37
31And he descended to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And there he taught them on the Sabbaths32And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was spoken with authority33And in the synagogue, there was a man who had an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice34saying: "Let us alone. What are we to you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God.35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and depart from him." And when the demon had thrown him into their midst, he departed from him, and he no longer harmed him36And fear fell over them all. And they discussed this among themselves, saying: "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they depart.37And his fame spread to every place in the region
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance and trust in God's power. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians urges us to be prepared for the day of the Lord, which comes unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. This passage emphasizes that as children of light, we must stay alert and not be caught off guard by the challenges of life. The Gospel from Luke illustrates Jesus's authority over evil through the expulsion of a demon, demonstrating His power and reassuring us that God is always in control.
These readings connect by highlighting the need for preparedness and faith. Just as the Thessalonians were encouraged to stay vigilant, we too must remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God's power surpasses any darkness we may face. Jesus's actions in Luke show us that His authority is not just over spiritual forces but also over the uncertainties of our daily lives.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to face each day with purpose and trust in God's plan. Whether dealing with personal struggles or broader challenges, we can find strength in knowing that God's power is ever-present. Let us embrace this truth, living each day with the confidence that comes from trusting in His divine authority and grace.