Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 13, 2017
First Reading: Wisdom 1.1-7
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Psalm 139
1O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.5Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Gospel: Luke 17.1-6
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of wisdom, justice, and the power of faith. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us to love justice and seek the Lord with a simple heart. It warns that wisdom cannot dwell in a soul dominated by malice or sin, emphasizing the importance of purity and sincerity in our relationship with God. The Gospel from Luke, on the other hand, highlights the importance of forgiveness and faith. Jesus teaches His disciples to correct and forgive one another, even multiple times a day, illustrating the boundless mercy of God. The Apostles, recognizing the challenge of such teachings, ask for increased faith, to which Jesus responds by illustrating the immense power of even the smallest amount of faith.
The connection between these readings lies in their call to trust in God's wisdom and live virtuously. Wisdom is not just knowledge but a way of life that seeks justice and goodness. Similarly, faith is not merely belief but a trust that empowers us to overcome life's challenges. Jesus' teachings on forgiveness remind us that our faith must be active, leading us to reconcile with others and trust in God's providence.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to cultivate wisdom by living justly and seeking God with sincerity. They remind us to practice forgiveness generously, as God forgives us. Let us trust in the power of our faith, no matter how small, knowing it can move mountains. May we strive to live with hearts open to God's wisdom and guided by the faith that transforms our lives and the world around us.