Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 11, 2024
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 7.1, 17, 25-31
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.26I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.27Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.29But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;30And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Psalm 45
1My heart is inditing a good matter: I speak of the things which I have made touching the king: my tongue is the pen of a ready writer.2Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.3Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty.4And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.5Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.6Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.7Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.8All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad.9Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.10Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;11So shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord; and worship thou him.12And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour.13The king's daughter is all glorious within: her clothing is of wrought gold.14She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of needlework: the virgins her companions that follow her shall be brought unto thee.15With gladness and rejoicing shall they be brought: they shall enter into the king's palace.16Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children, whom thou mayest make princes in all the earth.17I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 6.20-26
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on living a life detached from worldly concerns and focused on eternal values. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul addresses questions about marriage and celibacy, offering practical advice while emphasizing that our ultimate goal is to live as God has called us. He reminds us that the time is short and that we should not be overly attached to the things of this world, whether in relationships, possessions, or pleasures. His counsel is not about forbidding marriage or earthly joys but about living in a way that keeps our hearts free for God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which challenge us to embrace a life of humility, detachment, and trust in God’s providence. He blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, not because these states are desirable in themselves, but because they dispose us to rely on God and seek true fulfillment in Him. Conversely, He warns those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now, for they may be too comfortable to seek God. Jesus is not condemning wealth or joy outright but urging us to recognize that true happiness comes from living in accordance with God’s will and loving others as He loves us.
These readings remind us that our lives should be shaped by a deeper perspective. Whether married or single, wealthy or poor, we are called to live with detachment, using the things of this world without being controlled by them. This means prioritizing love, compassion, and humility in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we using the gifts God has given us to serve others and grow closer to Him, or are we letting worldly concerns distract us from what truly matters? May we embrace the simplicity and trust that Jesus and St. Paul teach, living each day with hearts open to God’s will and His kingdom.