Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 16, 2017
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1.15-17
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 113
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.4The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,6Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;8That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 6.43-49
43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of God's mercy and the call to live out our faith authentically. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, Paul humbly acknowledges himself as the foremost of sinners, yet he testifies to the boundless mercy of Christ, who came to save even him. This mercy, Paul emphasizes, is not just a personal gift but a call to patience and instruction for others, revealing the universal offer of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with Jesus' parable of the tree and its fruit, underscoring that the quality of the fruit reveals the nature of the tree. Jesus then illustrates the importance of acting on His teachings through the parable of the house built on rock versus sand. This teaching emphasizes that true discipleship is not merely about hearing the word but about living it out, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith.
These readings remind us that faith and mercy are not static; they must be lived out dynamically. In our daily lives, we are called to be mindful of how our actions reflect our beliefs. Let us ask ourselves: Do we merely hear the word, or do we allow it to transform our lives? The moral lesson is clear—integrity between belief and action is essential. As we navigate our lives, may we build our spiritual houses on the rock of Christ's teachings, ensuring that our faith is not just proclaimed but lived out in love and service.