Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 29, 2024
First Reading: Numbers 11.25-29
25Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again.26However, two men, whose names were Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but did not go out to the Tent. Yet the Spirit also rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.27A young man ran and told Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp."28Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' aide since youth, spoke up and said, "Moses, my lord, stop them!"29But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"
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.
Second Reading: James 5.1-6
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
Gospel: Mark 9.38-43, 45, 47-48
38"Teacher," said John, "we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us."39"Do not stop him," Jesus said. "No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me,40for whoever is not against us is for us.41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,48where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages about God's Spirit, justice, and living with integrity. The first reading from Numbers 11:25-29 reminds us that God's Spirit is not confined to a select few. Moses, faced with Joshua's concern about Eldad and Medad prophesying, teaches us not to be jealous but to embrace the universality of God's gifts. This openness to God's work in others is a vital lesson in humility and trust in His plan.
James 5:1-6 offers a stark warning to the wealthy, urging them to consider the consequences of their greed and oppression. James emphasizes the importance of social justice, reminding us that our actions towards others have eternal repercussions. This reading calls us to live with compassion and fairness, ensuring that we do not exploit others for our gain.
In Mark 9:38-43, 45, 47-48, Jesus teaches us about inclusivity and the seriousness of sin. He encourages us not to hinder those doing good in His name, even if they are not part of our group. Jesus also warns against causing others to sin, using dramatic imagery to stress the importance of living a life committed to holiness. This teaches us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, striving to avoid sin and scandal.
These readings together remind us to be open to God's work in everyone, to act justly towards all, and to live with personal integrity. They challenge us to embrace inclusivity, care for the marginalized, and pursue holiness in our daily lives. As we reflect on these teachings, may we strive to live out these values, trusting in God's plan and living with compassion and integrity.