Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 23, 2022
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
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, justice, and trust in God. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes God’s impartial justice, particularly toward the vulnerable. It reminds us that God hears the prayers of the oppressed and values humility over self-righteousness. This sets the stage for understanding that true faith is not about outward appearances but about a genuine relationship with God.
The second reading from 2 Timothy reinforces this message through Paul’s testimony of perseverance and trust in God. Despite facing hardships, Paul remains steadfast, trusting in God’s justice and mercy. His confidence is not in his own achievements but in God’s faithfulness. This reading encourages us to remain loyal to our faith, even in challenging times, knowing that God’s justice will prevail.
The Gospel parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the contrast between self-righteousness and humility. The Pharisee’s pride leads him to judge others, while the tax collector’s humility opens him to God’s mercy. Jesus teaches us that it is not our status or deeds that justify us, but our willingness to acknowledge our limitations and seek God’s forgiveness.
These readings collectively call us to embrace humility and trust in God’s justice. In our daily lives, this means letting go of pride and judgment, and instead, cultivating a humble heart that seeks God’s mercy. By doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will, finding true justification and peace. Let us strive to live with humility and perseverance, trusting in God’s faithfulness and justice.