Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 17, 2025
First Reading: Romans 4.1-8
1So then, what shall we say that Abraham had achieved, who is our father according to the flesh2For if Abraham was justified by works, he would have glory, but not with God3For what does Scripture say? "Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.4But for he who works, wages are not accounted according to grace, but according to debt5Yet truly, for he who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the impious, his faith is reputed unto justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God6Similarly, David also declares the blessedness of a man, to whom God brings justice without works7"Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin.
Psalm 32
1The understanding of David himself. Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered2Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin, and in whose spirit there is no deceit3Because I was silent, my bones grew old, while still I cried out all day long4For, day and night, your hand was heavy upon me. I have been converted in my anguish, while still the thorn is piercing5I have acknowledged my offense to you, and I have not concealed my injustice. I said, "I will confess against myself, my injustice to the Lord," and you forgave the impiety of my sin6For this, everyone who is holy will pray to you in due time. Yet truly, in a flood of many waters, they will not draw near to him7You are my refuge from the tribulation that has surrounded me. You are my exultation: rescue me from those who are surrounding me8I will give you understanding, and I will instruct you in this way, in which you will walk. I will fix my eyes upon you9Do not become like the horse and the mule, which have no understanding. Their jaws are constrained with bit and bridle, so as not to draw near to you10Many are the scourges of the sinner, but mercy will surround him that hopes in the Lord11Rejoice in the Lord and exult, you just ones, and glory, all you upright of heart
Gospel: Luke 12.1-7
1Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy2For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known3For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops4So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do5But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him6Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God7But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, trust, and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his unwavering belief in God’s promise. Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes as a gift of grace, not something we earn through our efforts. Similarly, David’s experience of forgiveness and justification without works underscores the boundless mercy of God. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus’ warning against hypocrisy and His assurance of God’s providential care. He reminds us that nothing remains hidden forever and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the God who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus then comforts us with the truth that even the smallest creatures, like sparrows, are remembered by God, and we, being worth more than many sparrows, should trust in His loving care.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on trust and authenticity. Paul’s focus on Abraham’s faith and David’s experience of forgiveness highlights the transformative power of trusting in God’s grace. Jesus, in the Gospel, builds on this by calling us to live with integrity, free from hypocrisy, and to place our ultimate trust in God’s providence. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through our own efforts? Are we living with authenticity, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy?
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us remember that true faith is not about earning God’s approval but about trusting in His love and mercy. Let us strive to live with transparency and honesty, knowing that nothing we do is hidden from God. And when we face challenges or uncertainties, let us recall Jesus’ comforting words: we are worth more than many sparrows, and God, who knows even the number of hairs on our heads, will never forget us. May we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s providence and live with the courage to be authentic disciples, fearing only the loss of God’s love and trusting in His eternal care.