Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 13, 2025
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, revelation, and the human response to God’s Word. The first reading from Romans introduces us to St. Paul, who describes himself as a servant of Jesus Christ and an Apostle set apart for the Gospel. He emphasizes that the Gospel is not a new invention but the fulfillment of God’s promises made through the prophets, centered on Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Paul also highlights the universal call to faith, addressing the Romans as “beloved of God” and “called to be saints,” reminding us of our shared dignity and vocation as followers of Christ.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus addressing a crowd that seeks a sign, only to be met with a stern rebuke. Jesus declares that no sign will be given to this “wicked generation” except the sign of Jonah, which prefigured His own death and resurrection. He then contrasts this generation with the people of Nineveh, who repented at Jonah’s preaching, and the queen of the South, who traveled far to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Jesus’ words challenge us to reflect on how we respond to the presence of God in our lives. While the people of Nineveh and the queen of the South recognized the gravity of the moment and acted with faith, this generation often remains indifferent or skeptical, even though “something greater than Jonah” and “greater than Solomon” is here among us.
These readings invite us to examine our own faith and response to God’s revelation. Paul’s letter reminds us that the Gospel is a gift of grace, not something we deserve, and that we are called to live as saints, set apart for God’s purposes. Jesus’ words in the Gospel call us to humility and repentance, urging us to recognize the signs of God’s presence already at work in our lives. In a world that often seeks spectacle or proof, we are called to trust in the quiet, enduring power of God’s Word and to live as children of light, bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves: Do we, like the queen of the South, seek wisdom with perseverance? Do we, like the people of Nineveh, repent and turn to God when we hear His Word? May we respond to the grace of God with faith, obedience, and a willingness to follow Him wholeheartedly.