Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 6, 2025
First Reading: Colossians 1.21-23
21And you, though you had been, in times past, understood to be foreigners and enemies, with works of evil22yet now he has reconciled you, by his body of flesh, through death, so as to offer you, holy and immaculate and blameless, before him23So then, continue in the faith: well-founded and steadfast and immovable, by the hope of the Gospel that you have heard, which has been preached throughout all creation under heaven, the Gospel of which I, Paul, have become a minister
Psalm 54
1Unto the end. In verses, the understanding of David, when the Ziphites had arrived and they said to Saul, "Has not David been hidden with us?". Save me, O God, by your name, and judge me in your virtue2O God, listen to my prayer. Pay attention to the words of my mouth3For strangers have risen up against me, and the strong have sought my soul. And they have not set God before their eyes4For behold, God is my helper, and the Lord is the protector of my soul5Turn back the evils upon my adversaries, and ruin them by your truth6I will freely sacrifice to you, and I will confess your name, O God, because it is good7For you have quickly rescued me from all tribulation, and my eye has looked down upon my enemies
Gospel: Luke 6.1-5
1Now it happened that, on the second first Sabbath, as he passed through the grain field, his disciples were separating the ears of grain and eating them, by rubbing them in their hands2Then certain Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbaths?3And responding to them, Jesus said: "Have you not read this, what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him4How he entered into the house of God, and took the bread of the Presence, and ate it, and gave it to those who were with him, though it is not lawful for anyone to eat it, except the priests alone?5And he said to them, "For the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of reconciliation and freedom through faith in Christ. The first reading from Colossians emphasizes our reconciliation with God through Christ's sacrifice, urging us to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful in the Gospel. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict Sabbath observance, highlighting His authority and the true purpose of the Sabbath as a time for humanity's benefit.
Both readings share a common thread of liberation through Christ. Colossians liberates us from sin, while Luke frees us from legalistic constraints, pointing us toward a life of love and mercy. This teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God over rigid rules, living out our faith with compassion and understanding.
The moral lesson here is clear: Christianity's essence lies in love and reconciliation. We are called to embrace a faith that is not confined by regulations but is lived through heartfelt connection and service to others, reflecting God's boundless love and mercy in our daily lives.