Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 4, 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call of God and the importance of prioritizing our relationship with Him. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul shares his personal journey of conversion and mission. Once a fierce persecutor of the Church, he was transformed by God’s grace and called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Paul’s story reminds us that God can take even the most unlikely person and use them for His purposes. His journey took him from persecution to proclamation, and he trusted in God’s plan rather than relying on human approval or understanding.
In the Gospel, Luke presents us with the familiar story of Martha and Mary. Martha, busy with hospitality, feels overwhelmed and distracted by the tasks at hand, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening to His word. Jesus gently reminds Martha that while her service is good, it is Mary who has chosen the “better portion.” This passage is not about condemning hard work or service but about highlighting the necessity of prioritizing our spiritual life. Just as Mary chose to focus on Jesus, we too must create space in our lives to listen to God’s voice and deepen our relationship with Him.
These readings encourage us to examine our own lives. Like Paul, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it takes us on unexpected paths. Like Mary, we are called to prioritize the one thing necessary—our relationship with Jesus. In a world filled with distractions and demands, it is easy to become like Martha, anxious and troubled. But Jesus reminds us that true peace and fulfillment come from sitting at His feet and listening to His word. Let us strive to balance our active lives with moments of stillness and prayer, trusting that God will guide us in all we do.