Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 21, 2021
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, mercy, and the call to serve. The first reading from Ephesians encourages us to live in humility and patience, striving for unity as members of the body of Christ. It reminds us that each of us has been given unique gifts to build up the church, emphasizing our collective role in perfecting the saints and achieving unity in faith. The second reading from Matthew recounts Jesus' call to Matthew, a tax collector, and his dining with sinners, which prompts the Pharisees to question his actions. Jesus' response highlights his mission to call sinners and emphasizes mercy over sacrifice.
These readings connect through their focus on outreach and community. Ephesians provides the structure for a unified church, while Matthew illustrates Jesus' example of reaching out to the marginalized. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just about individual righteousness but about creating a compassionate and inclusive community.
In our daily lives, we are called to embrace our roles within the church, using our talents to serve others. Just as Jesus reached out to those on the fringes, we should extend love and mercy to those around us. The moral lesson here is the importance of unity, using our gifts, and showing compassion, reflecting Jesus' example of dining with sinners. Let us strive to build a community that embodies these values, remembering that our faith is a call to serve and to bring others into the fold.