Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 20, 2023
First Reading: Romans 4.1-8
1What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.3For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."4Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.5And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,6just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:7"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
Psalm 32
1Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah6Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.7You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Gospel: Luke 12.1-7
1In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.4"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.5But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, trust, and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul uses the example of Abraham to emphasize that justification comes not through works, but through faith. Abraham’s belief in God’s promise, even when it seemed impossible, was reckoned as righteousness. This teaching challenges us to recognize that our salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through our efforts. Similarly, the Psalm echoes this theme, celebrating the blessedness of those whose sins are forgiven and whose hearts are sincere.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns his disciples against hypocrisy, which he calls the “leaven of the Pharisees.” He reminds us that nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing is secret that will not come to light. This is both a call to authenticity and a reassurance of God’s providence. Jesus encourages us not to fear those who can harm the body, for true fear should be reserved for the One who can cast both soul and body into hell. Yet, even in this warning, there is comfort: God’s care for us is so intimate that even the hairs of our heads are numbered. We are worth more than many sparrows, and we are loved beyond measure.
These readings remind us to live with sincerity and trust in God’s love. Let us not be fooled by the illusion that our worth depends on outward appearances or achievements. True righteousness comes from faith, and true freedom comes from living in the light of God’s truth. As we go about our daily lives, may we cultivate a deep trust in God’s providence, knowing that we are beloved and that nothing escapes His notice. Let us strive to be people of integrity, living in the light, and finding strength in the assurance of God’s love.