Daily Readings for October 16, 2017

1ST READING

Paul did not establish the Christian community in Rome. It existed even before he came to Rome. Perhaps this is why his letter to the Romans is a fairly complete account of his theology and understanding of the Gospel. Paul wanted to impress the community so that they would support the mission he intended to launch from Rome, in the direction of Spain. It seemed that his letter was written before his arrest and his consequent journey to Rome for trial before the Emperor.

Romans 1:1-7

1 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle and set apart for the Gospel of God, 2 which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 the Gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, 4 but established as Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, 6 among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; 7 to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

P S A L M

Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: The Lord has made known his salvation.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. (R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel. (R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus expresses a certain amount of frustration with the people here. They keep asking for signs, but they show no sign of responding to the truth. But God said that the only sign that He is willing to show them is that of Jonah. We know what that sign is — the need for repentance. Sin is visible to the left and to the right, and yet we seem to be making little or no effort to curtail it. God’s judgment will be merciful, but it will also be true and just.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Luke 11:29-32

29 While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be given it, except the sign of Jonah. 30 Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 At the judgment the queen of the south will rise with the men of this generation and she will condemn them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and there is something greater than Solomon here. 32 At the judgment the men of Nineveh will arise with this generation and condemn it, because at the preaching of Jonah they repented, and there is something greater than Jonah here.”