Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 13, 2023
First Reading: Wisdom 1.1-7
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Psalm 139
1O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.2Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.3Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.4For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.5Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.6Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.7Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?8If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;10Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.11If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.12Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.13For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.14I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.15My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.16Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.17How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!18If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.19Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.20For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.21Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?22I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.23Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:24And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Gospel: Luke 17.1-6
1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!2It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.3Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.4And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.5And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith.6And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God and with one another. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that wisdom is a gift from God, but it can only dwell in a heart that is pure and sincere. The author warns that wisdom flees from malice and falsehood, emphasizing that our thoughts and actions must align with God’s justice and love. This passage encourages us to seek God with simplicity and faith, trusting that He reveals Himself to those who are genuine in their pursuit of Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of living with integrity and compassion. He warns against causing scandals, especially those that lead others astray, and He emphasizes the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. When the disciples ask for increased faith, Jesus responds by highlighting the power of even the smallest amount of faith, using the striking image of a mulberry tree being uprooted and cast into the sea. This teaching reminds us that faith, no matter how small, can accomplish great things when it is rooted in trust and obedience to God’s will.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives and relationships. Are we seeking God with sincerity, or are we allowing malice and pride to separate us from Him? Are we living in a way that avoids harming others and fosters reconciliation? The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out in purity of heart and in service to others. Let us ask for the grace to cultivate wisdom and to grow in faith, trusting that God will guide us in our daily lives and help us to live as His disciples.