Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 28, 2024
First Reading: Ephesians 2.19-22
19Now, therefore, you are no longer visitors and new arrivals. Instead, you are citizens among the saints in the household of God20having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the preeminent cornerstone21In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord22In him, you also have been built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit
Psalm 19
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. The heavens describe the glory of God, and the firmament announces the work of his hands2Day proclaims the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge3There are no speeches or conversations, where their voices are not being heard4Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world5He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom. He has exulted like a giant running along the way6his departure is from the summit of heaven. And his course reaches all the way to its summit. Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat7The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones8The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes9The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves10desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb11For, indeed, your servant keeps them, and in keeping them, there are many rewards12Who can understand transgression? From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord13and from those of others, spare your servant. If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression14And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer
Gospel: Luke 6.12-19
12And it happened that, in those days, he went out to a mountain to pray. And he was in the prayer of God throughout the night13And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles)14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew15Matthew and Thomas, James of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called the Zealot16and Jude of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor17And descending with them, he stood in a level place with a multitude of his disciples, and a copious multitude of people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast, and Tyre and Sidon18who had come so that they might listen to him and be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured19And the entire crowd was trying to touch him, because power went out from him and healed all
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our identity as followers of Christ and our role within the community of faith. In the first reading from Ephesians, we hear that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now citizens in the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes that we are part of a living temple, a spiritual structure where God dwells among us. It reminds us that our faith is not a solitary journey but one that is deeply connected to the broader community of believers.
The Gospel from Luke complements this by showing us how Jesus formed a community of disciples to carry out His mission. After spending the night in prayer, Jesus chose twelve Apostles, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities. This act of selection was not arbitrary; it was intentional, as Jesus was forming a group that would continue His work of preaching, healing, and bringing God’s love to the world. The scene that follows, with Jesus healing the sick and the crowd pressing in to touch Him, underscores the transformative power of His presence and the mission of those He called to follow Him.
These readings challenge us to reflect on our own place within the Body of Christ. Like the early Christians, we are called to be part of a living, breathing community that is built on the foundation of faith. Like the Apostles, we are summoned to participate in God’s work of healing and restoration, not just in grand gestures but in the everyday moments of love, kindness, and service. Let us ask ourselves: How am I contributing to the building up of God’s temple? How am I using my gifts and talents to bring healing and hope to those around me? May we, like the early Church, be a source of light and life, united in our diversity and strengthened by the presence of the Holy Spirit.