Daily Readings for October 14, 2017

1ST READING

God promises vindication to the faithful remnant of Judah. The idea of a “faithful remnant” can be equally applied in our day to those who are faithful to the Christian calling despite the challenges of the world. Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI regularly spoke of a faithful Church — that is, a small Church being better than an unfaithful but big Church. He is right — it is only through our faithfulness to the truth and God’s calling that we can proclaim the Gospel successfully.

Joel 4:12-21

12 Thus says the Lord: Let the nations bestir themselves and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; for there I will sit in judgment upon all the neighboring nations. 13 Apply the sickle, for the harvest is ripe; come and tread, for the wine press is full; the vats overflow, for great is their malice. 14 Crowd upon crowd in the valley of decision; for near is the day of the Lord in the valley of decision. 15 Sun and moon are darkened, and the stars withhold their brightness. 16 The Lord roars from Zion, and from Jerusalem raises his voice; the heavens and the earth quake, but the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the children of Israel. 17 Then shall you know that I, the Lord, am your God, dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain; Jerusalem shall be holy, and strangers shall pass through her no more. 18 And then, on that day, the mountains shall drip new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk; and the channels of Judah shall flow with water: a fountain shall issue from the house of the Lord, to water the Valley of Shittim. 19 Egypt shall be a waste, and Edom a desert waste, because of violence done to the people of Judah, because they shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall abide forever, and Jerusalem for all generations. 21 I will avenge their blood, and not leave it unpunished. The Lord dwells in Zion.

P S A L M

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R: Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

1 The Lord is king; let the earth rejoice; let the many isles be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are round about him, justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne. (R) 5 The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens proclaim his justice, and all peoples see his glory. (R) 11 Light dawns for the just; and gladness, for the upright of heart. 12 Be glad in the Lord, you just, and give thanks to his holy name. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus affirms that faithfulness to the Word of God is the key to holiness and a blessed life. Being faithful to the Gospel today is not a popular choice. Neither is it the way to a wealthy and comfortable life. However, in the end, it will be the only way to eternal life and that is what really matters. Between a great life here on earth for a hundred years and a life of eternity with God, what will be your choice?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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

Luke 11:27-28

27 While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” 28 He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”