Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 12, 2021
First Reading: Romans 1.16-25
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.4Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,5Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.6His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.8The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.9The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.12Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.14Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Gospel: Luke 11.37-41
37And as he spake, a certain Pharisee besought him to dine with him: and he went in, and sat down to meat.38And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner.39And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.40Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?41But rather give alms of such things as ye have; and, behold, all things are clean unto you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between outward appearances and inward realities. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul emphasizes the power of the Gospel to reveal God’s justice and salvation. He warns, however, that when people reject God’s truth, they fall into darkness, exchanging the glory of the Creator for false idols. This passage reminds us that turning away from God leads to spiritual corruption and a distorted understanding of the world. In the Gospel, Jesus confronts the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they focus on external purity, such as washing cups and plates, their hearts remain filled with greed and injustice. Jesus calls them fools for neglecting the inner transformation that true faith demands.
These readings are connected by the theme of authenticity in our relationship with God. The Pharisees in the Gospel represent those who prioritize outward rituals over inward conversion, while St. Paul warns against the spiritual decay that results when we reject God’s truth. Together, they challenge us to examine our own lives. Are we more concerned with appearances, or are we allowing the Gospel to transform us from within? True faith is not about external observances but about living in accordance with God’s justice and love.
In our daily lives, this means taking an honest look at our motivations and actions. Do we serve God with sincerity, or are we content with superficial practices? The moral lesson here is clear: our hearts must be purified and aligned with God’s will. Let us not be like the Pharisees, who missed the deeper truth of faith. Instead, let us allow the Gospel to penetrate our hearts, leading us to live with integrity and to serve others with love. In doing so, we will embody the justice and truth of God in a world that sorely needs it.