Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 16, 2023
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1.15-17
15This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.16Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.17Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 113
1Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.2Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.3From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD'S name is to be praised.4The LORD is high above all nations, and his glory above the heavens.5Who is like unto the LORD our God, who dwelleth on high,6Who humbleth himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth!7He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;8That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.9He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 6.43-49
43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of faith and the importance of living out our beliefs with integrity. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, Paul humbly acknowledges himself as the foremost sinner, yet he has been transformed by God's mercy. This transformation is not just for him; it serves as an example for others to see God's patience and believe in Christ for eternal life. Paul's story is a testament to the profound impact of God's grace, reminding us that our faith journey is both personal and communal.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of trees and their fruit to emphasize that our actions reveal the true state of our hearts. He then illustrates the importance of building a strong spiritual foundation through the parable of the house built on rock versus on soil. This parable underscores the necessity of not only listening to Jesus' teachings but also living them out. Just as a house built on rock withstands storms, a life rooted in Christ's teachings endures life's challenges.
These readings together remind us that our faith must be more than superficial; it must transform us from within. As Paul's life was changed by God's mercy, so too can ours be. Jesus calls us to examine the depth of our commitment, ensuring that our actions reflect the good fruit of a heart transformed by His teachings. By building our lives on the solid foundation of Christ, we can navigate life's trials with resilience and integrity, living as true witnesses of God's love.