Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 9, 2021
First Reading: Joel 3.12-21
12Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat: for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about.13Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe: come, get you down; for the press is full, the fats overflow; for their wickedness is great.14Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.15The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.16The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.17So shall ye know that I am the LORD your God dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain: then shall Jerusalem be holy, and there shall no strangers pass through her any more.18And it shall come to pass in that day, that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth of the house of the LORD, and shall water the valley of Shittim.19Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness, for the violence against the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.20But Judah shall dwell for ever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.21For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed: for the LORD dwelleth in Zion.
Psalm 97
1The LORD reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.2Clouds and darkness are round about him: righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne.3A fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.4His lightnings enlightened the world: the earth saw, and trembled.5The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.6The heavens declare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory.7Confounded be all they that serve graven images, that boast themselves of idols: worship him, all ye gods.8Zion heard, and was glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judgments, O LORD.9For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: thou art exalted far above all gods.10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Gospel: Luke 11.27-28
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound messages about God's judgment, mercy, and the true nature of blessedness. The first reading from Joel vividly describes the Day of the Lord, a time of reckoning where nations are judged in the valley of Jehoshaphat. Joel paints a dramatic scene of cosmic upheaval—darkened sun, moon, and stars—and a fountain from the Lord's house bringing life to a desolate land. This apocalyptic vision underscores God's justice and His ultimate restoration of Israel, where Judea will flourish eternally.
The Gospel shifts our focus from external judgment to internal faith. When a woman praises Jesus' mother, He redirects her attention, emphasizing that true blessedness comes not from physical ties but from hearing and keeping God's word. This exchange highlights the importance of spiritual obedience over earthly connections, inviting us to reflect on our commitment to living according to God's teachings.
Together, these readings remind us that while God's judgment is inevitable, His mercy and restoration are available to those who align their lives with His will. As we navigate our daily lives, let us examine our actions and hearts, ensuring they reflect a genuine faith. The truest blessedness lies not in worldly comforts but in faithfully following God's word, which guides us toward a life of purpose and righteousness.