Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 18, 2025

First Reading: 1 Timothy 4.12-16

¹²Let no one despise your youth, but be an example among the faithful in word, in behavior, in charity, in faith, in chastity¹³Until I arrive, attend to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine¹⁴Do not be willing to neglect the grace that is within you, which was given to you through prophecy, with the imposition of the hands of the priesthood¹⁵Meditate on these things, so that your progress may be manifest to all¹⁶Pay attention to yourself and to doctrine. Pursue these things. For in doing so, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you

Psalm 111

Psalms

Chapter 111

¹Alleluia. I will confess to you, O Lord, with my whole heart, in the council of the just and in the congregation²Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all his intentions³Confession and magnificence are his work. And his justice remains from age to age⁴He has created a memorial to his wonders; he is a merciful and compassionate Lord⁵He has given food to those who fear him. He will be mindful of his covenant in every age⁶He will announce the virtue of his works to his people⁷so that he may give them the inheritance of the nations. The works of his hands are truth and judgment⁸All his commands are faithful: confirmed from age to age, created in truth and fairness⁹He has sent redemption upon his people. He has commanded his covenant for all eternity. Holy and terrible is his name¹⁰The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding is for all who do it. His praise remains from age to age

Gospel: Luke 7.36-50

Luke

Chapter 7

³⁶Then certain Pharisees petitioned him, so that they might eat with him. And he went into the house of the Pharisee, and he reclined at table³⁷And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner, found out that he was reclining at table in the house of the Pharisee, so she brought an alabaster container of ointment³⁸And standing behind him, beside his feet, she began to wash his feet with tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and she kissed his feet, and she anointed them with ointment³⁹Then the Pharisee, who had invited him, upon seeing this, spoke within himself, saying, "This man, if he were a prophet, would certainly know who and what kind of woman is this, who is touching him: that she is a sinner.⁴⁰And in response, Jesus said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." So he said, "Speak, Teacher.⁴¹"A certain creditor had two debtors: one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty⁴²And since they did not have the ability to repay him, he forgave them both. So then, which of them loves him more?⁴³In response, Simon said, "I suppose that it is he to whom he forgave the most." And he said to him, "You have judged correctly.⁴⁴And turning to the woman, he said to Simon: "Do you see this woman? I entered into your house. You gave me no water for my feet. But she has washed my feet with tears, and has wiped them with her hair⁴⁵You gave no kiss to me. But she, from the time that she entered, has not ceased to kiss my feet⁴⁶You did not anoint my head with oil. But she has anointed my feet with ointment⁴⁷Because of this, I tell you: many sins are forgiven her, because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven less, loves less.⁴⁸Then he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven you.⁴⁹And those who sat at table with him began to say within themselves, "Who is this, who even forgives sins?⁵⁰Then he said to the woman: "Your faith has brought you salvation. Go in peace.

Sermon

In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of faith and love. The first reading from 1 Timothy encourages us to be examples of faith, using the gifts God has entrusted to us, and to focus on doctrine and self-improvement. This letter, part of Paul's guidance to Timothy, emphasizes the importance of living out our faith in both word and deed. The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet, teaching us about the transformative power of love and forgiveness. The context of these readings is significant. 1 Timothy is a pastoral letter guiding Timothy in his role as a leader, urging him to embody faith and virtue. In Luke's Gospel, the setting is a Pharisee's house, highlighting the contrast between the Pharisee's judgment and Jesus' compassionate forgiveness. Both readings connect through their themes of faith and love, showing how these virtues should be lived out in our actions and interactions. In our daily lives, these readings remind us to live out our faith actively. We are called to use our gifts and talents to serve others, just as Timothy was advised. The story of the sinful woman teaches us about humility and the depth of God's forgiveness. It encourages us to approach life with a loving heart, recognizing that our capacity to love is closely tied to our experience of being forgiven. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith is not just about belief but about how we live it out. By embracing humility, practicing forgiveness, and expressing love, we reflect God's grace in the world. Let us strive to be examples of faith, just as Timothy was encouraged, and to love deeply, as the sinful woman did, trusting that our faith will bring us salvation and peace.