Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 12, 2020
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 10.14-22a
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Psalm 116
1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:11I said in my haste, All men are liars.12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.14I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.16O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.18I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,19In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 6.43-49
43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the integrity of our actions. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us of the sacred nature of the Eucharist, urging us to avoid idolatry and instead commune deeply with Christ. The Gospel from Luke uses the metaphor of trees and their fruit to illustrate that our actions reveal the true state of our hearts, emphasizing the importance of living according to Jesus' teachings.
The context of these readings is rooted in early Christian communities grappling with issues of faith and practice. In Corinth, Paul addresses a community dealing with idolatry and the meaning of the Eucharist, calling for a deeper understanding of communion with Christ. Luke's Gospel presents Jesus teaching on the necessity of integrity, where true faith is demonstrated through actions, not just words, using the parable of the builder to stress the importance of a strong spiritual foundation.
Together, these readings call us to examine our commitments and ensure our actions reflect our faith. They remind us that superficial participation in worship or daily life can lead to hypocrisy and weakness. Instead, we are urged to build our lives on the rock of Jesus' teachings, ensuring that our words and deeds align, leading to a life of integrity and spiritual strength. This is the essence of an authentic Christian life—one that transforms and sustains us through life's challenges.