Daily Readings for November 13, 2017

1ST READING

God is always looking at the integrity of our heart’s response to Him. We say that we believe in God, but our actions should reflect our words. Jesus complains that the Pharisees and the leaders of the Jewish people lack integrity in their actions. They say one thing, but do not reflect this in the way they live. It was similar with many of the prophets. They prophesied against the way the Jewish people were failing to live their covenant with God.

Wisdom 1:1-7

1 Love justice, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart; 2 Because he is found by those who test him not, and he manifests himself to those who do not disbelieve him. 3 For perverse counsels separate a man from God, and his power, put to the proof, rebukes the foolhardy; 4 because into a soul that plots evil wisdom enters not, nor dwells she in a body under debt of sin. 5 For the Holy Spirit of discipline flees deceit and withdraws from senseless counsels; and when injustice occurs it is rebuked. 6 For wisdom is a kindly spirit, yet she acquits not the blasphemer of his guilty lips; because God is the witness of his inmost self and the sure observer of his heart and the listener to his tongue. 7 For the Spirit of the Lord fills the world, is all-embracing, and knows what man says.

P S A L M

Psalm 139:1-3, 4-6, 7-8, 9-10

R: Guide me, Lord, along the everlasting way.

1 O Lord, you have probed me and you know me; 2 you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. 3 My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar. (R) 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know the whole of it. 5 Behind me and before, you hem me in and rest your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; too lofty for me to attain. (R) 7 Where can I go from your spirit? From your presence where can I flee? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I sink to the nether world, you are present there. (R) 9 If I take the wings of the dawn, if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall guide me, and your right hand hold me fast. (R)

GOSPEL

The only thing worse than personal sin is if we cause another person to sin, particularly if that person is an innocent bystander to our actions. Jesus speaks clearly about this, reminding us to avoid becoming the cause of another person’s sins. If I am the cause of another’s sin, then I need to take responsibility for their sin. Unfortunately, I cannot take to myself the effects of that sin. Thus, an innocent person suffers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Shine like lights in the world, as you hold on to the word of life.

Luke 17:1-6

1 Jesus said to his disciples, “Things that cause sin will inevitably occur, but woe to the one through whom they occur. 2 It would be better for him if a millstone were put around his neck and he be thrown into the sea than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. 3 Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he wrongs you seven times in one day and returns to you seven times saying, ‘I am sorry,’ you should forgive him.” 5 And the Apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you would say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”