Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 13, 2025
First Reading: 1 Timothy 1.15-17
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 113
1Praise the LORD. Praise, O servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.2Let the name of the LORD be praised, both now and forevermore.3From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the LORD is to be praised.4The LORD is exalted over all the nations, his glory above the heavens.5Who is like the LORD our God, the One who sits enthroned on high,6who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth?7He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;8he seats them with princes, with the princes of their people.9He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD.
Gospel: Luke 6.43-49
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound mercy of God and the importance of living out our faith. The first reading from 1 Timothy emphasizes that Christ came to save sinners, with Paul humbly acknowledging himself as the foremost sinner. Yet, through God's mercy, Paul became an example of patience for others, illustrating that no one is beyond redemption. The Gospel from Luke uses the parable of the trees and the two builders to highlight that our actions reflect our inner state. A good tree bears good fruit, and a house built on rock endures, symbolizing the importance of acting on God's teachings.
Both readings underscore the transformative power of God's mercy and the necessity of living according to His will. Paul's experience shows that mercy is not just forgiveness but also a call to share that grace with others. Similarly, Luke's parable teaches us that merely hearing God's word is insufficient; we must act on it, building our spiritual lives on the solid foundation of faith.
In our daily lives, this means acknowledging our sinfulness and embracing God's mercy. We must allow this grace to transform us, leading us to act with love and integrity. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our actions reveal our true character. Let us strive to build our lives on the rock of faith, ensuring that our deeds reflect the mercy and love we have received. By doing so, we become living testimonies of God's grace, enduring life's challenges with resilience and hope.