Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 16, 2023
First Reading: Romans 1.1-7
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called as an Apostle, separated for the Gospel of God2which he had promised beforehand, through his Prophets, in the Holy Scriptures3about his Son, who was made for him from the offspring of David according to the flesh4the Son of God, who was predestined in virtue according to the Spirit of sanctification from the resurrection of the dead, our Lord Jesus Christ5through whom we have received grace and Apostleship, for the sake of his name, for the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles6from whom you also have been called by Jesus Christ7To all who are at Rome, the beloved of God, called as saints. Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ
Psalm 98
1A Psalm of David himself. Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has performed wonders. His right hand has accomplished salvation for him, with his holy arm2The Lord has made known his salvation. He has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations3He has remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God4Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. Sing and exult, and sing psalms5Sing psalms to the Lord with stringed instruments, with strings and the voice of a psalmist6with subtle wind instruments and the voice of woodwinds. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king7Let the sea be moved and all its fullness, the whole world and all who dwell in it8The rivers will clap their hands, the mountains will exult together9before the presence of the Lord. For he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the whole world with justice, and the peoples with fairness
Gospel: Luke 11.29-32
29Then, as the crowds were quickly gathering, he began to say: "This generation is a wicked generation: it seeks a sign. But no sign will be given to it, except the sign of the prophet Jonah30For just as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of man be to this generation31The queen of the South will rise up, at the judgment, with the men of this generation, and she will condemn them. For she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, more than Solomon is here32The men of Nineveh will rise up, at the judgment, with this generation, and they will condemn it. For at the preaching of Jonah, they repented. And behold, more than Jonah is here
Sermon
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and our response to God’s call. In the first reading from Romans, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ, called to spread the Gospel. He emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God, born from David’s lineage, and through whom we receive grace. This passage sets the foundation of Paul’s mission, rooted in Scripture and the divine plan of salvation.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus addressing a crowd, criticizing their demand for signs. Jesus refers to the sign of Jonah, highlighting how the people of Nineveh repented upon Jonah’s preaching. This serves as a call to recognize God’s presence in our lives without needing constant signs, trusting in His Word.
These readings remind us to embrace faith actively. Like the people of Nineveh, we are called to repent and respond to God’s message. In our daily lives, this means trusting God without needing proofs, being open to His grace, and living faithfully. Let us reflect on our own response to God’s call, seeking to deepen our faith and live in accordance with His will. May we find strength in His Word and grace, guiding us on our journey of faith.