Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 15, 2021
First Reading: Romans 4.1-8
1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Psalm 32
1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.3When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Gospel: Luke 12.1-7
1In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.3Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between faith, works, and the ultimate trust we place in God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul explores the concept of justification through faith, using Abraham as an example. Abraham, though a father of many nations, was not justified by his actions but by his unwavering trust in God’s promise. This emphasizes that our relationship with God is rooted in grace, not in what we do to earn His favor. Similarly, David’s psalm is cited to show that true blessedness comes from having our sins forgiven, not from any merit of our own.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging them to live with authenticity and transparency. He reminds them that nothing remains hidden forever; what is done in secret will eventually be revealed. Jesus then encourages His followers not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear the One who has the power to cast into Hell. This is not a call to fear in the sense of dread but a reminder of the reverence and trust we should have in God, who knows every detail of our lives, even the number of hairs on our heads.
These readings call us to live with humility and authenticity, trusting in God’s plan rather than relying on our own efforts or outward appearances. Let us reflect on whether we are living with genuine faith, trusting in God’s grace, and being truthful in our words and actions. May we remember that our worth comes not from what we do but from who we are in God’s eyes—beloved children, worth more than many sparrows.