Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 21, 2021
First Reading: Ephesians 4.1-7, 11-13
1I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--5one Lord, one faith, one baptism,6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.2Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.3There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.4Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,5which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;8the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;9the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.11Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Gospel: Matthew 9.9-13
9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.10And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.11And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"12But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.13Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, mercy, and the call to serve. The first reading from Ephesians encourages us to live in humility and patience, striving for unity as members of the body of Christ. It reminds us that each of us has been given unique gifts to build up the church, emphasizing our collective role in perfecting the saints and achieving unity in faith. The second reading from Matthew recounts Jesus' call to Matthew, a tax collector, and his dining with sinners, which prompts the Pharisees to question his actions. Jesus' response highlights his mission to call sinners and emphasizes mercy over sacrifice.
These readings connect through their focus on outreach and community. Ephesians provides the structure for a unified church, while Matthew illustrates Jesus' example of reaching out to the marginalized. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just about individual righteousness but about creating a compassionate and inclusive community.
In our daily lives, we are called to embrace our roles within the church, using our talents to serve others. Just as Jesus reached out to those on the fringes, we should extend love and mercy to those around us. The moral lesson here is the importance of unity, using our gifts, and showing compassion, reflecting Jesus' example of dining with sinners. Let us strive to build a community that embodies these values, remembering that our faith is a call to serve and to bring others into the fold.