Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 1, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 3.17-20, 28-29
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Psalm 68
1Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him flee before him.2As smoke is driven away, so drive them away: as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.3But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.4Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.5A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.6God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.7O God, when thou wentest forth before thy people, when thou didst march through the wilderness; Selah:8The earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God: even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel.9Thou, O God, didst send a plentiful rain, whereby thou didst confirm thine inheritance, when it was weary.10Thy congregation hath dwelt therein: thou, O God, hast prepared of thy goodness for the poor.11The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it.12Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.13Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.14When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Salmon.15The hill of God is as the hill of Bashan; an high hill as the hill of Bashan.16Why leap ye, ye high hills? this is the hill which God desireth to dwell in; yea, the LORD will dwell in it for ever.17The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place.18Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.19Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.20He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.21But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses.22The Lord said, I will bring again from Bashan, I will bring my people again from the depths of the sea:23That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and the tongue of thy dogs in the same.24They have seen thy goings, O God; even the goings of my God, my King, in the sanctuary.25The singers went before, the players on instruments followed after; among them were the damsels playing with timbrels.26Bless ye God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel.27There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali.28Thy God hath commanded thy strength: strengthen, O God, that which thou hast wrought for us.29Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.30Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, till every one submit himself with pieces of silver: scatter thou the people that delight in war.31Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.32Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:33To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice.34Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds.35O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
Second Reading: Hebrews 12.18-19, 22-24a
18For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,19And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:22But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Gospel: Luke 14.1, 7-14
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.7And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them,8When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him;9And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room.10But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee.11For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.12Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.13But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:14And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we explore the themes of humility and our spiritual identity. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the importance of humility and respecting our parents, warning against the consequences of a wicked heart. It encourages us to cultivate humility, which will bring us grace and favor with God.
The second reading from Hebrews contrasts the intimidating presence of God on an earthly mountain with the celestial city of Mount Zion. This passage invites us to reflect on our spiritual citizenship in heaven, where we are part of a vast community including angels, the first-born, and Jesus, the mediator of the New Covenant. This heavenly perspective should inspire us to live with humility and hope.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a parable about humility at a wedding feast, advising against seeking the highest seat. Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from humility and serving others, especially those who cannot repay us. This practical advice extends to our daily interactions, encouraging us to embrace humility in all aspects of life.
These readings remind us that humility is not just a virtue but a way of life. By living humbly and serving others, we reflect the teachings of Jesus and align ourselves with the values of the Kingdom of God. Our focus should be on eternal rewards, where our humility and service will be recognized.
In conclusion, the moral lesson is clear: true greatness is found in humility and service. Let us strive to live with humility, recognizing our spiritual home in heaven, and serve others selflessly, as Jesus taught.