Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 17, 2023
First Reading: Romans 1.16-25
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.17For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.19For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.20For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.21For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.22Claiming to be wise, they became fools,23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.24Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,25because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
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: Luke 11.37-41
37While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table.38The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner.39And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.40You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?41But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on the human condition and our relationship with God. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the transformative power of the Gospel, which reveals the justice of God and calls us to live by faith. Yet, it also warns us about the consequences of turning away from God, as humanity often exchanges the truth for lies and worships creation rather than the Creator. This passage invites us to examine our own hearts and consider whether we are living in accordance with the divine truth revealed to us.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message by highlighting the tension between external appearances and internal purity. Jesus critiques the Pharisee for focusing on outward cleanliness while neglecting the inner corruption of greed and injustice. He calls us to recognize that true purity comes not from rituals but from a heart that seeks justice and compassion. This teaching challenges us to look beyond superficial piety and instead cultivate a life of integrity, where our actions reflect the love and mercy of God.
Together, these readings remind us that faith is not just about what we profess but how we live. The Gospel has the power to transform us, but this transformation must begin within. Let us ask ourselves: Are we more concerned with appearances, or are we striving to live with hearts that are pure, just, and faithful? May we turn to God with humility, acknowledging our need for grace, and may our lives bear witness to the truth and love of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.