Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 6, 2024
First Reading: Philippians 2.12-18
12Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,13for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.14Do all things without grumbling or questioning,15that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,16holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.17Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.18Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.4One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!8You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.11Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Gospel: Luke 14.25-33
25Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them,26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.27Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,30saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'31Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?32And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace.33So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Sermon
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of our commitment to faith and the transformative power of living as disciples of Christ. In the first reading from Philippians, St. Paul encourages the community to "work out their salvation with fear and trembling," reminding them that while God works within them, they must still act with integrity and without complaint. This passage emphasizes the balance between God’s grace and our responsibility to live out our faith diligently. The Philippians are urged to be "lights in the world," reflecting God’s truth in a society that often opposes it. This call to holiness and witness is both a privilege and a challenge.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents a stark and unsettling message about the cost of discipleship. He declares that to follow him, one must be willing to "hate" family and even life itself. This is not about literal hatred but about prioritizing our relationship with him above all else. Jesus uses parables about building a tower and a king preparing for war to stress the need for discernment and commitment. True discipleship requires sacrifice and a willingness to renounce all that might hinder our devotion to him. These words are not meant to discourage but to clarify the seriousness of following Christ.
Both readings remind us that faith is not a passive endeavor but an active, intentional way of life. Paul’s exhortation to live blamelessly and Jesus’ call to radical discipleship are two sides of the same coin. They challenge us to examine our priorities, to count the cost, and to live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. In a world often marked by compromise and complacency, these readings invite us to shine as lights, to bear our crosses, and to trust in God’s grace to sustain us. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living as true disciples, or are we holding back? May we embrace the call to holiness and witness, trusting that the Lord will complete the work he has begun in us.