Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 6, 2020
First Reading: Galatians 1.13-24
13For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.14And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.15But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace,16was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;17nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.19But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.20(In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)21Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.22And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.23They only were hearing it said, "He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy."24And they glorified God because of me.
Psalm 139
1O LORD, you have searched me and known me!2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.4Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.5You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.7Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?8If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!9If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,10even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,"12even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.13For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.15My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.16Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them.17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!18If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.19Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me!20They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain!21Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?22I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.23Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!24And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!
Gospel: Luke 10.38-42
38Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."41But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our priorities in life. The first reading from Galatians recounts St. Paul’s dramatic conversion and his call to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Once a fierce persecutor of the Church, Paul was transformed by God’s grace and became a zealous missionary. His journey reminds us that God can take even the most unlikely person and use them for extraordinary purposes when they surrender to His will. The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene: Martha and Mary welcoming Jesus into their home. While Martha is consumed by the busyness of serving, Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Jesus gently reminds Martha that while service is good, it is more important to prioritize time with Him.
These readings are connected by the theme of response to God’s call. Paul’s life was radically redirected by God’s grace, and he spent the rest of his days spreading the Good News. Similarly, Mary’s choice to listen to Jesus reflects her desire to prioritize the spiritual over the temporal. Both stories challenge us to examine how we respond to God’s presence in our lives. Are we like Martha, getting caught up in the distractions and anxieties of the world, or are we like Mary, seeking to deepen our relationship with God?
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: What is the “one thing necessary” in our lives? In a world that often values productivity and busyness, it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Like Mary, we are called to create space for prayer, reflection, and intimacy with God. And like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s grace and to share His love with others, even when it requires stepping out of our comfort zones. May we learn to balance our active lives with a deep inner stillness, remembering that it is in sitting at the feet of Jesus that we find true peace and purpose.