Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 11, 2019
First Reading: Wisdom 1.1-7
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Psalm 139
1O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.5Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Gospel: Luke 17.1-6
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of our relationship with God and with one another. The Book of Wisdom reminds us to love justice and seek God with a simple heart, emphasizing that wisdom dwells only in the virtuous. It warns that perverse thoughts and sin separate us from God, while the Holy Spirit flees from falsehood. This passage encourages us to embody truth and integrity, for God is the witness of our hearts and the auditor of our words.
The Gospel of Luke complements this by focusing on our interactions with others. Jesus teaches us to avoid causing scandals, especially against the vulnerable, and to practice forgiveness and correction with love. He underscores the power of faith, even in small measures, to accomplish great things. The disciples' request for increased faith highlights the importance of trusting in God's power within us.
Together, these readings guide us to cultivate integrity and forgiveness in our daily lives. They remind us that our internal virtues shape our external actions, fostering healthy relationships with both God and others. Let us strive to live with justice, truth, and compassion, trusting in the transformative power of faith.