Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 2, 2021
First Reading: Job 19.1, 23-27
1Then Job answered and said,23Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!24That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!25For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:26And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:27Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15.20-23
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
Gospel: John 12.23-26
23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.24Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.25He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.26If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on hope, resurrection, and the transformative power of faith. The Book of Job presents a man in the depths of suffering, yet unwavering in his belief in a Redeemer who will restore him. Job's words are a testament to the enduring human spirit, which, even in darkness, clings to the promise of eternal life. His hope is not in temporary comfort but in the ultimate victory over death, a hope that resonates deeply with the Christian belief in the resurrection.
The Second Reading from 1 Corinthians expands this vision, revealing that Christ's resurrection is the pivotal moment in human history. Through Adam, death entered the world, but through Christ, life is restored. Paul emphasizes that Christ's resurrection is not an isolated event but the first fruits of a greater harvest, where all believers will be united with Him. This passage invites us to see our lives within the broader narrative of salvation, where our struggles and sorrows are not ends in themselves but steps toward eternal life.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that true life comes through self-sacrifice. Using the image of the grain of wheat, He illustrates that only by dying to oneself can one bear fruit. This is not a call to self-destruction but to a life of love and service. Jesus' words challenge us to reevaluate our priorities, letting go of our attachment to worldly comforts and ambitions, and instead embracing a life of discipleship. As we follow Him, we discover that the path to true glory is through humility and service.
These readings remind us that our faith is rooted in the hope of resurrection. Like Job, we may face trials, but we can trust that our Redeemer lives. Like the early Christians, we are part of a larger story where Christ's victory over death is our own. And like the disciples, we are called to live lives of self-giving love. May we, in our daily lives, embody this hope, trusting that even in death, God brings forth new life.