Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 12, 2018
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 7.1, 17, 25-31
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.26I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.27Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.29But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;30And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Psalm 45
1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;11So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.13The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 6.20-26
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from St. Paul and Jesus that invite us to reflect on our relationship with the world and our commitment to living a life centered on God. The First Reading from 1 Corinthians offers practical advice about marriage and celibacy, emphasizing that while marriage is a noble vocation, remaining single allows for a singular focus on God. Paul encourages believers to live in a way that is undivided in their devotion to the Lord, recognizing that the present time is short and that the world's allurements are fleeting. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus' Beatitudes, where He turns societal norms upside down by pronouncing blessings on those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful, while issuing warnings to the wealthy and content. Jesus calls His followers to a radical way of life, one that values spiritual wealth over material comfort.
These readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on detachment and trust in God. Paul urges us to live in a way that is not controlled by worldly concerns, whether in marriage or singleness, while Jesus challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of true happiness and fulfillment. Both readings remind us that our ultimate treasure lies in God, not in the things of this world. The Beatitudes and Paul's counsel both call us to live with a sense of detachment, not because the world is inherently bad, but because our hearts must belong fully to God. This detachment allows us to live with freedom, joy, and generosity, unencumbered by the burdens of greed or selfishness.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are invited to examine our priorities and values. Are we living in a way that reflects a deep trust in God's providence, or are we overly attached to material security and comfort? Do we recognize the blessings in our struggles and sorrows, or do we allow them to lead us to despair? The moral lesson here is clear: true happiness and fulfillment come from living a life of faith, humility, and love. Let us strive to live in such a way that our hearts are free to love God and neighbor without reservation, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us through life's challenges. In doing so, we will find the true peace and joy that the world cannot give.