Daily Catholic Mass Readings for November 12, 2019
First Reading: Wisdom 2.23 – 3.9
This reading is not available in the NIV version. Visit the CPDV version to view the reading.
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.
Gospel: Luke 17.7-10
7"Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, 'Come along now and sit down to eat'?8Would he not rather say, 'Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink'?9Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do?10So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore profound truths about our existence and our relationship with God. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that God created humanity for immortality, and though death entered the world through the devil's envy, the righteous find peace in God's hands. Their suffering is temporary, and they will ultimately shine, judging nations and reigning with the Lord. This passage reassures us that our struggles are not in vain and that trust in God leads to eternal peace.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching on humility and service. Using the parable of the servant, Jesus illustrates that serving without expectation of praise is a duty, not a cause for reward. This challenges us to embrace a life of selfless service, reflecting our commitment to God without seeking earthly recognition.
Both readings converge on themes of trust and humble service. While the first reading addresses the ultimate glory of the righteous, the Gospel emphasizes the nature of our service. Together, they teach us to trust in God's plan and to serve humbly, recognizing that our true reward lies in eternal life.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to face challenges with faith, knowing our struggles have divine purpose. We are called to serve others selflessly, reflecting our duty to God. The moral lesson is clear: our worth is in our faithfulness, not earthly rewards. Let us embrace humility and trust, serving with hearts open to God's will, knowing our efforts contribute to a greater purpose.