Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 20, 2017
First Reading: 1 Timothy 3.14-16
14Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,15if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.16Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
Psalm 111
1Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.2Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.3Glorious and majestic are his deeds, and his righteousness endures forever.4He has caused his wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.5He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.6He has shown his people the power of his works, giving them the lands of other nations.7The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy.8They are steadfast for ever and ever, done in faithfulness and uprightness.9He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever- holy and awesome is his name.10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
Gospel: Luke 7.31-35
31"To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like?32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: "'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.'33For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.'34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."'35But wisdom is proved right by all her children."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s truth and how it is received in the world. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, St. Paul emphasizes the Church as the “pillar and foundation of truth,” a community called to uphold and live out the mystery of God’s plan of salvation. This mystery, revealed in the flesh and glorified in Christ, transcends human understanding and yet is accessible to all through faith. The Church, as the living body of Christ, is entrusted with preserving and proclaiming this truth in a world often hostile or indifferent to it.
In the Gospel, Jesus laments the inconsistency of those who reject both the austere witness of John the Baptist and the joyful, inclusive ministry of Himself. John, who fasted and lived an ascetic life, was dismissed as having a demon, while Jesus, who ate and drank with sinners, was labeled a glutton and a drunkard. This criticism reveals the hardness of heart that resists the truth, no matter how it is presented. Jesus’ words remind us that wisdom is vindicated by her children—those who embrace God’s truth with open hearts and lives.
These readings challenge us to examine how we receive God’s truth in our own lives. Are we open to His Word, no matter how it comes to us? Do we allow ourselves to be shaped by the Church’s teaching, even when it challenges our assumptions? Let us ask for the grace to embrace the mystery of God’s love with humility and joy, trusting that His truth will set us free. In a world that often resists the Gospel, may we be faithful witnesses, living out the mystery of Christ in our daily lives.