Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 28, 2022
First Reading: Ephesians 2.19-22
19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
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: Luke 6.12-19
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.13When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles:14Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,15Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot,16Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.17He went down with them and stood on a level place. A large crowd of his disciples was there and a great number of people from all over Judea, from Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon,18who had come to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. Those troubled by evil spirits were cured,19and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of our identity as followers of Christ and the mission we are called to undertake. In the first reading from Ephesians, we hear that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now citizens in God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity and belonging in the Body of Christ, where each of us plays a vital role in the structure of God’s holy temple. In the Gospel, Luke describes Jesus choosing the Twelve Apostles and then descending to a level place to preach and heal the multitudes. This scene highlights Jesus’ compassion and His mission to bring healing and hope to all people.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on community and mission. In Ephesians, we are reminded that we are part of a larger family, the household of God, built on the foundation of faith and testimony. In Luke, we see Jesus forming a community of disciples and extending His mission of healing and teaching to the world. Together, these readings call us to recognize our place within the Church and to participate in Christ’s work of love and redemption.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How do we live out our identity as members of God’s household? Do we see ourselves as part of a larger community, or do we isolate ourselves? The Gospel shows us that Jesus did not remain on the mountain praying; He came down to the people, healing and teaching them. Similarly, we are called to move beyond our own comfort zones and share the love and hope of Christ with others. Let us strive to be like the Apostles, who were chosen not for their own sake but to serve the mission of Christ. May we, too, be instruments of healing and grace in the world, living out our faith with compassion and generosity.