Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 3, 2019
First Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-6, 9-11
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.10When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.11Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.13I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.14Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 4.31-37
31And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.33And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,34Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.36And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.37And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful themes: the call to vigilance and the demonstration of divine authority. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. It urges us to stay awake and sober, not in fear, but in hope, for we are children of light. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shows Jesus teaching with authority and casting out a demon, leaving the people in awe of His power.
These readings are connected by the idea of preparation and trust in God’s plan. In Thessalonians, Paul emphasizes that we are not destined for wrath but for salvation through Jesus Christ. This salvation is not passive; it requires us to live as children of light, supporting and encouraging one another. In Luke, Jesus’ authority over the unclean spirit is a testament to His power to free us from the forces of darkness. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not just about waiting but about living actively in the light of Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our readiness to meet God. Are we living with purpose and vigilance, or are we caught up in the complacency of the world? Like the people in the synagogue, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but Jesus’ authority over all things assures us that He can free us from any bondage. Let us strive to live as children of light, trusting in God’s power and grace. May we console one another and build each other up, knowing that we are called to live in union with Christ, now and forever.