Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 9, 2020
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 7.1, 17, 25-31
1Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."17Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.25Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.28But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.29This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
Psalm 45
1My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.2You are the most handsome of the sons of men; grace is poured upon your lips; therefore God has blessed you forever.3Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one, in your splendor and majesty!4In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!5Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; the peoples fall under you.6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;7you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;8your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia. From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;9daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.10Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father's house,11and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him.12The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts, the richest of the people.13All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.14In many-colored robes she is led to the king, with her virgin companions following behind her.15With joy and gladness they are led along as they enter the palace of the king.16In place of your fathers shall be your sons; you will make them princes in all the earth.17I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 6.20-26
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied."Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.22"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!23Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.25"Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry."Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.26"Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on how we live our lives in light of God’s call and the values of the Kingdom. The first reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the importance of living according to one’s calling, whether married or single, and reminds us that the time is short. Paul encourages us to live with detachment, not becoming too entangled in the things of this world, for they are passing away. The Gospel from Luke presents the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, while issuing a warning to those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now. These teachings challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and align our lives with the values of humility, compassion, and trust in God.
The readings are connected by their focus on living a life detached from worldly concerns and centered on God. Paul’s advice to the Corinthians about marriage and celibacy is not about discouraging marriage but about encouraging all people to live their lives in a way that reflects their ultimate commitment to God. Similarly, Jesus’ Beatitudes call us to embrace a life of simplicity, humility, and trust in God’s providence. Both readings remind us that our true consolation and fulfillment come not from this world but from God.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with a sense of detachment and gratitude. Whether married or single, we are to use the gifts and circumstances of our lives to serve God and others. We are to avoid becoming too comfortable or complacent, remembering that our ultimate home is in heaven. Let us strive to live simply, trust in God’s plan, and find joy in serving others. May we embrace the values of the Kingdom, knowing that our true reward is not in this world but in the life to come.