Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 11, 2024
First Reading: 1 Corinthians 7.1, 17, 25-31
1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are.27Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife.28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
Psalm 45
1My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer.2You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.3Gird your sword upon your side, O mighty one; clothe yourself with splendor and majesty.4In your majesty ride forth victoriously in behalf of truth, humility and righteousness; let your right hand display awesome deeds.5Let your sharp arrows pierce the hearts of the king's enemies; let the nations fall beneath your feet.6Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.7You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.8All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad.9Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir.10Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear: Forget your people and your father's house.11The king is enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your lord.12The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift, men of wealth will seek your favor.13All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.14In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.15They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king.16Your sons will take the place of your fathers; you will make them princes throughout the land.17I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.
Gospel: Luke 6.20-26
20Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.22Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.26Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on living a life detached from worldly concerns and focused on eternal values. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul addresses questions about marriage and celibacy, offering practical advice while emphasizing that our ultimate goal is to live as God has called us. He reminds us that the time is short and that we should not be overly attached to the things of this world, whether in relationships, possessions, or pleasures. His counsel is not about forbidding marriage or earthly joys but about living in a way that keeps our hearts free for God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which challenge us to embrace a life of humility, detachment, and trust in God’s providence. He blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, not because these states are desirable in themselves, but because they dispose us to rely on God and seek true fulfillment in Him. Conversely, He warns those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now, for they may be too comfortable to seek God. Jesus is not condemning wealth or joy outright but urging us to recognize that true happiness comes from living in accordance with God’s will and loving others as He loves us.
These readings remind us that our lives should be shaped by a deeper perspective. Whether married or single, wealthy or poor, we are called to live with detachment, using the things of this world without being controlled by them. This means prioritizing love, compassion, and humility in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we using the gifts God has given us to serve others and grow closer to Him, or are we letting worldly concerns distract us from what truly matters? May we embrace the simplicity and trust that Jesus and St. Paul teach, living each day with hearts open to God’s will and His kingdom.