Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 8, 2024

First Reading: Galatians 1.13-24

¹³For you have heard of my former behavior within Judaism: that, beyond measure, I persecuted the Church of God and fought against Her¹⁴And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my equals among my own kind, having proven to be more abundant in zeal toward the traditions of my fathers¹⁵But, when it pleased him who, from my mother’s womb, had set me apart, and who has called me by his grace¹⁶to reveal his Son within me, so that I might evangelize him among the Gentiles, I did not next seek the consent of flesh and blood¹⁷Neither did I go to Jerusalem, to those who were Apostles before me. Instead, I went into Arabia, and next I returned to Damascus¹⁸And then, after three years, I went to Jerusalem to see Peter; and I stayed with him for fifteen days¹⁹But I saw none of the other Apostles, except James, the brother of the Lord²⁰Now what I am writing to you: behold, before God, I am not lying²¹Next, I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia²²But I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea, which were in Christ²³For they had only heard that: "He, who formerly persecuted us, now evangelizes the faith which he once fought.²⁴And they glorified God in me

Psalm 139

Psalms

Chapter 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 10.38-42

Luke

Chapter 10

³⁸Now it happened that, while they were traveling, he entered into a certain town. And a certain woman, named Martha, received him into her home³⁹And she had a sister, named Mary, who, while sitting beside the Lord’s feet, was listening to his word⁴⁰Now Martha was continually busying herself with serving. And she stood still and said: "Lord, is it not a concern to you that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore, speak to her, so that she may help me.⁴¹And the Lord responded by saying to her: "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled over many things⁴²And yet only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the best portion, and it shall not be taken away from her.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on our spiritual journey and priorities. The first reading from Galatians recounts Paul's transformation from a zealous persecutor of the Church to a humble apostle, emphasizing his divine call and mission to the Gentiles. This passage underscores Paul's recognition of God's grace and his unwavering commitment to spreading the faith, despite his past. The Gospel from Luke presents the story of Martha and Mary, where Martha is absorbed in serving while Mary chooses to listen to Jesus. Jesus gently reminds Martha that while service is good, focusing on Him is the greater priority. Both readings highlight the importance of spiritual focus and transformation. Paul's journey illustrates how God can transform even the most unlikely individuals, calling them to a higher purpose. Similarly, Mary's choice to sit at Jesus' feet reminds us that amidst life's busyness, our primary focus should be on nurturing our relationship with God. These stories encourage us to balance our active lives with moments of contemplation and listening, ensuring that our spiritual well-being is not overshadowed by worldly tasks. In our daily lives, these readings invite us to examine our priorities. Like Martha, we may often find ourselves preoccupied with tasks, but Mary's example teaches us the value of pausing to listen and be present with God. Paul's transformation challenges us to remain open to God's call, trusting in His grace and purpose for our lives. The moral lesson here is the necessity of balance—engaging in service while also cultivating a deep, personal connection with God. By prioritizing our spiritual life, we can, like Mary, choose the better part, which will never be taken away.