Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 14, 2022
First Reading: Ephesians 1.11-14
11In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,12in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.13And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,14who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.
Psalm 33
1Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.2Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.3Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.4For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.5The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.7He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.9For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.10The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.11But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.13From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;14from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-15he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.16No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.17A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.18But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.20We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.21In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.22May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Gospel: Luke 12.1-7
1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s plan for us and the call to live with authenticity and trust in His providence. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us that we have been chosen by God in accordance with His eternal plan. We are predestined to share in His glory, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. This passage emphasizes God’s initiative in our salvation and the profound dignity He has bestowed upon us. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging them to live with transparency and trust in God’s care. He reminds us that nothing is hidden from God and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the One who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus reassures us of our worth in God’s eyes, noting that even the smallest sparrows are not forgotten, and every hair on our head is counted.
These readings are connected by the theme of trust in God’s plan and the call to authenticity. In Ephesians, we see the grand design of God’s love, while in Luke, we are reminded of the practical implications of living out that love in sincerity and faith. Together, they encourage us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God and to live without fear, knowing that we are valued beyond measure.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own hypocrisy and to live with greater transparency. Let us ask ourselves: Are there areas where we hide behind masks or pretend to be something we are not? Let us turn to God, who sees all and loves us deeply, and trust in His plan for our lives. May we find courage to live authentically, remembering that we are not just valued but cherished by God. Let us pray for the grace to fear only what displeases Him and to place our complete trust in His loving care.