Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 21, 2019
First Reading: Ephesians 4.1-7, 11-13
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.4There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--5one Lord, one faith, one baptism;6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Psalm 19
1The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.2Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.3There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.4Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,5which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course.6It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.7The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.8The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.9The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.10They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.11By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.12Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.13Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.14May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Gospel: Matthew 9.9-13
9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples.11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the essence of our calling as followers of Christ and the nature of His mission. In Ephesians, we are reminded of the importance of living a life worthy of our vocation, one that is characterized by humility, patience, and unity. The passage emphasizes that each of us has been given unique gifts by God, not for our own glory, but for the building up of the body of Christ. This diversity of gifts is a reflection of the rich tapestry of the Church, where each member plays a vital role in the edification of the community. The ultimate goal is the unity of faith and the full knowledge of the Son of God, where we all reach the stature of the fullness of Christ.
In the Gospel, we encounter Jesus, who defies the expectations of the Pharisees by dining with tax collectors and sinners. This act of mercy and compassion is a powerful reminder that Christ came not for the righteous, but for those who are in need of healing and forgiveness. The Pharisees, focused on outward appearances and strict adherence to the law, fail to understand the heart of God’s mercy. Jesus’ response, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” cuts to the core of what it means to follow Him. It is not about external rituals or self-righteousness, but about living a life of love, compassion, and humility.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives and relationships. Are we living in a way that reflects the unity and humility called for in Ephesians? Are we reaching out to those on the margins, as Jesus did, or are we content to remain in our comfortable circles? The call to mercy and compassion is not optional; it is at the very heart of the Gospel. Let us strive to be instruments of God’s mercy, embracing our own brokenness and recognizing the dignity of every person. In doing so, we not only build up the body of Christ but also become the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love.