Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 16, 2018
First Reading: Isaiah 50.5-9
5The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious; I have not drawn back.6I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting.7Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.8He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me!9It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Psalm 116
1I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.2Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.3The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.4Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!"5The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.6The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.7Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.8For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,9that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.10I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."11And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."12How can I repay the LORD for all his goodness to me?13I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD.14I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.16O LORD, truly I am your servant; I am your servant, the son of your maidservant; you have freed me from my chains.17I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the LORD.18I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people,19in the courts of the house of the LORD - in your midst, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD.
Second Reading: James 2.14-18
14What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?15Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.16If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.18But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
Gospel: Mark 8.27-35
27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. "30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."34Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.35For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of faith, action, and self-sacrifice, each weaving together to guide us in our spiritual journey. The Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, embodies unwavering trust in God amidst suffering, accepting his mission with courage. This trust is rooted in his deep faith, teaching us that true faith is not about avoiding challenges but facing them with confidence in God's plan.
The second reading from James emphasizes that faith must be alive through our actions. James challenges us to move beyond mere belief and to express our faith through tangible works. This call to action reminds us that our faith should transform how we live, compelling us to serve others and act with compassion, just as Isaiah did in fulfilling his prophetic mission.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals His identity and destiny. Peter's confession of Jesus as the Christ is met with Jesus' profound teaching on the necessity of self-denial and taking up one's cross. This passage invites us to reflect on our own commitment to follow Christ, understanding that discipleship involves embracing challenges and sacrifices. Jesus' example shows us that true love and service require us to put others first, even when it is difficult.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: How are we living out our faith? Are we merely spectators, or are we actively engaged in serving others? Let us embrace the call to live out our faith with courage and selflessness, trusting in God's providence, just as Isaiah did. May we, like Jesus, be willing to deny ourselves and take up our crosses, following Him faithfully. In doing so, we not only deepen our relationship with God but also become His hands and heart in the world.