Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 4, 2019
First Reading: Baruch 1.15-22
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Psalm 79
1O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.2The dead bodies of thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the heaven, the flesh of thy saints unto the beasts of the earth.3Their blood have they shed like water round about Jerusalem; and there was none to bury them.4We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.5How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?6Pour out thy wrath upon the heathen that have not known thee, and upon the kingdoms that have not called upon thy name.7For they have devoured Jacob, and laid waste his dwelling place.8O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.10Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die;12And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.13So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.
Gospel: Luke 10.13-16
13Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.14But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.15And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted to heaven, shalt be thrust down to hell.16He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the importance of responding to God's revelation with humility and openness. In Baruch, we hear a heartfelt confession of sin, acknowledging the people's unfaithfulness and failure to listen to God's commandments. This passage, set against the backdrop of the Babylonian exile, serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of turning away from God. The people recognize that their suffering stems from their disobedience and hardness of heart, urging us to examine our own relationship with God.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, lamenting their lack of repentance despite the miracles they witnessed. He contrasts their response with that of Tyre and Sidon, suggesting that even those considered less privileged would have repented. This serves as a stark warning about the dangers of complacency and the failure to recognize God's presence in our lives. Jesus emphasizes that rejecting His message is not just a personal choice but also a rejection of the One who sent Him.
These readings call us to a life of repentance and faith. In our daily lives, we are constantly presented with opportunities to respond to God's grace. Whether through blessings or challenges, we must remain attentive and open to His will. The moral lesson here is clear: hardness of heart leads to judgment, while humility and repentance open the door to healing and restoration. Let us reflect on our own response to God's revelation, seeking to live with hearts that are receptive and obedient to His call.