Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 24, 2019
First Reading: Romans 6.19-23
19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 1
1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.3And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.4The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.5Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.6For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.
Gospel: Luke 12.49-53
49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and the challenges it presents. The first reading from Romans 6:19-23 speaks of a profound shift from a life of sin to one of justice and sanctification. Paul emphasizes that our bodies, once instruments of sin, are now dedicated to righteousness, leading to eternal life. This transformation is not merely internal but affects every aspect of our being, guiding our actions toward justice and holiness.
The Gospel from Luke 12:49-53 presents a complementary yet contrasting message. Jesus speaks of casting fire upon the earth, symbolizing the disruptive and divisive nature of His mission. This fire does not bring peace but division, even within families, as following Christ requires making difficult choices and standing firm in faith despite opposition. This teaching underscores the cost of discipleship, where commitment to Christ may lead to tension and conflict.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the nature of our faith. While Romans highlights the internal transformation and its eternal rewards, Luke reminds us of the external challenges and divisions that accompany a life of faith. In our daily lives, this means embracing the call to justice and righteousness, even when it leads to difficult decisions. The Christian life is not one of ease but of commitment, requiring us to stand firm in our beliefs, even in the face of division. The reward, as Paul notes, is eternal life—a promise that strengthens us as we navigate life's challenges with faith and courage.