Daily Readings for September 20, 2016

1ST READING

Haughtiness and pride will never be good servants. They are aspects of our temperament that need to be controlled, or they can wreak havoc in our relationships. We are exhorted to listen to the cry of the poor. We should treat others how we want to be treated, with a particular concern for the less fortunate.

Proverbs 21:1-6, 10-13

1 Like a stream is the king’s heart in the hand of the Lord; wherever it pleases him, he directs it. 2 All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts. 3 To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. 4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart — the tillage of the wicked is sin. 5 The plans of the diligent are sure of profit, but all rash haste leads certainly to poverty. 6 Whoever makes a fortune by a lying tongue is chasing a bubble over deadly snares. 10 The soul of the wicked man desires evil; his neighbor finds no pity in his eyes. 11 When the arrogant man is punished, the simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. 12 The just man appraises the house of the wicked: there is one who brings down the wicked to ruin. 13 He who shuts his ear to the cry of the poor will himself also call and not be heard.

P S A L M

Psalm 119:1, 27, 30, 34, 35, 44

R: Guide me, Lord, in the way of your commands.

1 Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. (R) 27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous deeds. (R) 30 The way of truth I have chosen; I have set your ordinances before me. (R) 34 Give me discernment, that I may observe your law and keep it with all my heart. (R) 35 Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. (R) 44 And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus is more interested in our response to the Gospel than our family background. The Gospel is for all men and women, regardless of our ancestry. The Gospel cuts across the boundaries of race and nation. This means that we should not discriminate about who we witness to — we simply proclaim the Gospel every chance we get.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.

Luke 8:19-21

19 The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. 20 He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” 21 He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.”