Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 23, 2022
First Reading: Sirach 35.15-17, 20-22
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Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.5They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.9O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.21Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.22The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.16At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel: Luke 18.9-14
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, justice, and trust in God. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes God’s impartial justice, particularly toward the vulnerable. It reminds us that God hears the prayers of the oppressed and values humility over self-righteousness. This sets the stage for understanding that true faith is not about outward appearances but about a genuine relationship with God.
The second reading from 2 Timothy reinforces this message through Paul’s testimony of perseverance and trust in God. Despite facing hardships, Paul remains steadfast, trusting in God’s justice and mercy. His confidence is not in his own achievements but in God’s faithfulness. This reading encourages us to remain loyal to our faith, even in challenging times, knowing that God’s justice will prevail.
The Gospel parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the contrast between self-righteousness and humility. The Pharisee’s pride leads him to judge others, while the tax collector’s humility opens him to God’s mercy. Jesus teaches us that it is not our status or deeds that justify us, but our willingness to acknowledge our limitations and seek God’s forgiveness.
These readings collectively call us to embrace humility and trust in God’s justice. In our daily lives, this means letting go of pride and judgment, and instead, cultivating a humble heart that seeks God’s mercy. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, finding true justification and peace. Let us strive to live with humility and perseverance, trusting in God’s faithfulness and justice.