Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 17, 2025
First Reading: Romans 4.1-8
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God.3What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."4Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:7"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.8Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
Psalm 32
1Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.2Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.3When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah5Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah6Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.7You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.9Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.10Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.11Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!
Gospel: Luke 12.1-7
1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, trust, and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his unwavering belief in God’s promise. Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes as a gift of grace, not something we earn through our efforts. Similarly, David’s experience of forgiveness and justification without works underscores the boundless mercy of God. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus’ warning against hypocrisy and His assurance of God’s providential care. He reminds us that nothing remains hidden forever and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the God who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus then comforts us with the truth that even the smallest creatures, like sparrows, are remembered by God, and we, being worth more than many sparrows, should trust in His loving care.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on trust and authenticity. Paul’s focus on Abraham’s faith and David’s experience of forgiveness highlights the transformative power of trusting in God’s grace. Jesus, in the Gospel, builds on this by calling us to live with integrity, free from hypocrisy, and to place our ultimate trust in God’s providence. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through our own efforts? Are we living with authenticity, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy?
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us remember that true faith is not about earning God’s approval but about trusting in His love and mercy. Let us strive to live with transparency and honesty, knowing that nothing we do is hidden from God. And when we face challenges or uncertainties, let us recall Jesus’ comforting words: we are worth more than many sparrows, and God, who knows even the number of hairs on our heads, will never forget us. May we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s providence and live with the courage to be authentic disciples, fearing only the loss of God’s love and trusting in His eternal care.