Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 21, 2018
First Reading: Isaiah 53.10-11
10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.11He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Psalm 33
1Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.2Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.3Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.4For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.5He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.7He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.10The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.13The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.14From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.15He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.16There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Second Reading: Hebrews 4.14-16
14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Gospel: Mark 10.35-45
35And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, come unto him, saying, Master, we would that thou shouldest do for us whatsoever we shall desire.36And he said unto them, What would ye that I should do for you?37They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory.38But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?39And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:40But to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared.41And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John.42But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.43But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:44And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.45For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through profound lessons on service, humility, and redemption. The first reading from Isaiah presents a prophecy of the suffering servant, who bears the sins of many, highlighting Jesus' role in redemption. The second reading from Hebrews reinforces this by portraying Jesus as the compassionate High Priest, inviting us to approach God with confidence. The Gospel from Mark vividly illustrates Jesus teaching His disciples about true leadership, emphasizing service over power.
These readings interweave the themes of service and humility, showing Jesus as the ultimate servant who redeems through suffering. Isaiah's prophecy finds fulfillment in Jesus, who in Mark's Gospel, teaches that leadership is about serving others. Hebrews bridges this by reminding us of Jesus' compassion, encouraging us to approach God with trust.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to embrace humility and service. We are invited to follow Jesus' example by prioritizing others' needs and trusting in God's plan. Let us reflect on how we can serve selflessly, just as Jesus did, and find strength in His compassionate heart.