Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 23, 2022
First Reading: Sirach 35.15-17, 20-22
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Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.3Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!4I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.8Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!10The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.16The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.21Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18
6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth.18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Gospel: Luke 18.9-14
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, justice, and trust in God. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes God’s impartial justice, particularly toward the vulnerable. It reminds us that God hears the prayers of the oppressed and values humility over self-righteousness. This sets the stage for understanding that true faith is not about outward appearances but about a genuine relationship with God.
The second reading from 2 Timothy reinforces this message through Paul’s testimony of perseverance and trust in God. Despite facing hardships, Paul remains steadfast, trusting in God’s justice and mercy. His confidence is not in his own achievements but in God’s faithfulness. This reading encourages us to remain loyal to our faith, even in challenging times, knowing that God’s justice will prevail.
The Gospel parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the contrast between self-righteousness and humility. The Pharisee’s pride leads him to judge others, while the tax collector’s humility opens him to God’s mercy. Jesus teaches us that it is not our status or deeds that justify us, but our willingness to acknowledge our limitations and seek God’s forgiveness.
These readings collectively call us to embrace humility and trust in God’s justice. In our daily lives, this means letting go of pride and judgment, and instead, cultivating a humble heart that seeks God’s mercy. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, finding true justification and peace. Let us strive to live with humility and perseverance, trusting in God’s faithfulness and justice.