Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 16, 2019
First Reading: Romans 2.1-11
1Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.2We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who do such things.3Do you suppose, O man--you who judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself--that you will escape the judgment of God?4Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?5But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.6He will render to each one according to his works:7to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life;8but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.9There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek,10but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.11For God shows no partiality.
Psalm 62
1For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.2He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.3How long will all of you attack a man to batter him, like a leaning wall, a tottering fence?4They only plan to thrust him down from his high position. They take pleasure in falsehood. They bless with their mouths, but inwardly they curse. Selah5For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.6He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.7On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God.8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah9Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath.10Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them.11Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,12and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love. For you will render to a man according to his work.
Gospel: Luke 11.42-46
42"But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.44Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it."45One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also."46And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of living a life rooted in genuine faith and justice. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul warns against judging others while ignoring our own failings. He reminds us that God’s judgment is fair and based on truth, not favoritism. Those who act with patience, seek glory, and do good will receive eternal life, while those who are contentious and disobedient will face wrath. This passage calls us to self-reflection and repentance, urging us to align our actions with the kindness and mercy of God.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, criticizing their outward piety while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and love. He condemns their love for prestige and their failure to live authentically, comparing them to hidden graves—appearances of righteousness but inward corruption. This teaching challenges us to examine our own lives: do we prioritize the external trappings of faith while ignoring its deeper demands? Jesus’ words remind us that true faith is not about appearances but about living with integrity, compassion, and humility.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the importance of living in accordance with God’s truth rather than outward displays of piety. They call us to move beyond hypocrisy and superficiality, embracing a life of genuine faith and moral consistency. Let us ask ourselves: Are we like the Pharisees, focused on appearances, or are we striving to live with hearts open to God’s love and justice? May we seek to do good, not for recognition, but because it is who we are called to be as children of God.