Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 15, 2020
First Reading: Hebrews 5.7-9
7During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.8Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered9and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
Psalm 31
1In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.2Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.3Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.4Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge.5Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O LORD, the God of truth.6I hate those who cling to worthless idols; I trust in the LORD.7I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul.8You have not handed me over to the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.9Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief.10My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.11Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors; I am a dread to my friends- those who see me on the street flee from me.12I am forgotten by them as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery.13For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side; they conspire against me and plot to take my life.14But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God."15My times are in your hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me.16Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love.17Let me not be put to shame, O LORD, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and lie silent in the grave.18Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.19How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.20In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.21Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city.22In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.23Love the LORD, all his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful, but the proud he pays back in full.24Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 2.33-35 or John 19.25-27
33The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,35so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."
25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s mission and the profound connection between His obedience and our salvation. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear how Jesus, though the Son of God, learned obedience through suffering. His prayers and tears, offered in the days of His flesh, demonstrate His reverence for the Father’s will. This passage emphasizes that Christ’s journey of obedience, even in the face of death, was the means by which He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. It reminds us that true leadership and redemption come not through power, but through humility and surrender.
In the Gospel, we find ourselves in the Temple with Mary and Joseph as they present the infant Jesus to God. Simeon’s prophecy reveals the deeper meaning of this moment: Jesus is a sign of contradiction, destined to bring both ruin and resurrection to many in Israel. Simeon’s words to Mary, “a sword will pass through your soul,” foretell the suffering that lies ahead—not only for Jesus but also for His mother. This passage invites us to consider the cost of discipleship and the ways in which our faith may lead us into moments of trial and misunderstanding.
Together, these readings challenge us to embrace the mystery of the cross in our own lives. Just as Christ learned obedience through suffering, we too are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us into darkness or uncertainty. Mary’s example teaches us to accept the “sword” of our own struggles with faith, knowing that through them, God reveals the depths of our hearts and draws us closer to Himself. Let us ask for the grace to follow Christ’s path of obedience and to find meaning in our trials, trusting that they are part of God’s greater plan for our salvation.