Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 16, 2024
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 11.17-26, 33
17But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,19for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.20When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.21For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.22What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.23For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,24and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."25In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.33So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another--
Psalm 40
1I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.2He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.3He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD.4Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!5You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you! I will proclaim and tell of them, yet they are more than can be told.6Sacrifice and offering you have not desired, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.7Then I said, "Behold, I have come; in the scroll of the book it is written of me:8I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."9I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation; behold, I have not restrained my lips, as you know, O LORD.10I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation; I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness from the great congregation.11As for you, O LORD, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me!12For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me.13Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me! O LORD, make haste to help me!14Let those be put to shame and disappointed altogether who seek to snatch away my life; let those be turned back and brought to dishonor who desire my hurt!15Let those be appalled because of their shame who say to me, "Aha, Aha!"16But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!"17As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God!
Gospel: Luke 7.1-10
1After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.2Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue."6And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.7Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.8For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."9When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."10And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from 1 Corinthians addresses the misuse of the Lord's Supper by the Corinthian church. Paul highlights their division, where some indulged while others went hungry, contrary to the Eucharist's purpose of unity. He reminds us that the Eucharist is a sacred remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, meant to unite us in faith and love.
The Gospel from Luke presents the centurion whose faith in Jesus' power leads to the healing of his servant. Despite his position, the centurion humbly recognizes Jesus' authority, demonstrating extraordinary faith. Jesus praises this faith, illustrating that true faith transcends boundaries and fosters unity, even between different communities.
These readings teach us about the power of faith and reverence. The Corinthians' misuse of the Eucharist reflects a lack of faith in its true meaning, leading to division. Conversely, the centurion's faith in Jesus' word brings healing and unity. As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded to approach the Eucharist with reverence and to live with faith that unites us. May we embrace this faith, fostering unity and spiritual growth in our daily lives.