Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 12, 2018
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 7.1, 17, 25-31
1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are.27Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife.28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
Psalm 45
1My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.2You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.3Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.4In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.5Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.6Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.7You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.8All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.9Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.10Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house.11The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.12The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor.13All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.14In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.15They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.16Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.17I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 6.20-26
20Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.22Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.26Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from St. Paul and Jesus that invite us to reflect on our relationship with the world and our commitment to living a life centered on God. The First Reading from 1 Corinthians offers practical advice about marriage and celibacy, emphasizing that while marriage is a noble vocation, remaining single allows for a singular focus on God. Paul encourages believers to live in a way that is undivided in their devotion to the Lord, recognizing that the present time is short and that the world's allurements are fleeting. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus' Beatitudes, where He turns societal norms upside down by pronouncing blessings on those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful, while issuing warnings to the wealthy and content. Jesus calls His followers to a radical way of life, one that values spiritual wealth over material comfort.
These readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on detachment and trust in God. Paul urges us to live in a way that is not controlled by worldly concerns, whether in marriage or singleness, while Jesus challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of true happiness and fulfillment. Both readings remind us that our ultimate treasure lies in God, not in the things of this world. The Beatitudes and Paul's counsel both call us to live with a sense of detachment, not because the world is inherently bad, but because our hearts must belong fully to God. This detachment allows us to live with freedom, joy, and generosity, unencumbered by the burdens of greed or selfishness.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are invited to examine our priorities and values. Are we living in a way that reflects a deep trust in God's providence, or are we overly attached to material security and comfort? Do we recognize the blessings in our struggles and sorrows, or do we allow them to lead us to despair? The moral lesson here is clear: true happiness and fulfillment come from living a life of faith, humility, and love. Let us strive to live in such a way that our hearts are free to love God and neighbor without reservation, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us through life's challenges. In doing so, we will find the true peace and joy that the world cannot give.