Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 27, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 35.15-17, 20-22
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Psalm 34
1I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.2My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.4I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.6This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.9Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;16the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.19A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;20he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.21Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18
6For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.17But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion's mouth.18The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Gospel: Luke 18.9-14
9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men--robbers, evildoers, adulterers--or even like this tax collector.12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.'13"But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'14"I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of justice, humility, and trust in God’s providence. In the first reading from Sirach, we hear that the Lord is a just judge who shows no favoritism, hearing the prayers of the oppressed, the widow, and the orphan. This passage emphasizes that true justice is not about outward appearances or social status but about being attentive to the marginalized and the humble. The second reading from 2 Timothy offers a personal reflection from St. Paul, who, nearing the end of his life, expresses confidence in God’s judgment and salvation. Despite being abandoned by others, Paul trusts that the Lord will deliver him and bring his mission to completion. Finally, the Gospel parable contrasts the Pharisee, who prays with self-righteousness, and the tax collector, who humbly acknowledges his sinfulness. Jesus makes it clear that it is the humble who are justified, not those who exalt themselves.
These readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the importance of humility and trust in God’s justice. Sirach reminds us that God’s justice is not about human standards but about caring for the vulnerable. Paul’s letter shows us how to trust in God’s plan even in difficult circumstances. The Gospel, meanwhile, teaches us that true righteousness is not about comparing ourselves to others but about recognizing our own limitations and turning to God with humility. Together, these readings call us to examine our own attitudes and actions, to let go of pride and self-reliance, and to place our hope in God’s mercy and justice.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to cultivate humility and compassion. We are called to recognize the dignity of all people, especially those who are often overlooked or marginalized. We are also reminded to trust in God’s plan, even when things seem uncertain or difficult. Let us approach prayer with the tax collector’s humility, acknowledging our sins and asking for mercy. Let us also strive to live with integrity, knowing that God sees the heart and will judge us according to our love and compassion for others. May we, like Paul, place our trust in the Lord, who will bring us to eternal life, and may we always remember that true greatness lies in humility and service to others.