Daily Readings for October 16, 2015

1ST READING

Paul presents Abraham to us as the model for our faith. Abraham was justified by his belief in the promises of God. He did not achieve anything of his own strength. It was God who did the work; Abraham merely entrusted his life to the will and promises of God. This is the example we must follow. Like Abraham, we need to be obedient to God’s will and do what He asks of us.

Romans 4:1-8

1 Brothers and sisters: What can we say that Abraham found, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 4 A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. 5 But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.

P S A L M

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11

R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R) 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus does not want us to perform practices that seem to have worthy results but are not part of the Christian way of life. There are too many of these today, especially those that deal with the way the economy is run, for example. It is not good enough to say that a practice is legal. Christians go further than this and ask if it is moral as well. It may be legal to pay lower than the minimum wage, but is that moral? At the other end of the economic scale, capital has a moral, not just legal, responsibility to be in the service of people. The 2008 global financial crisis was caused by greed at the highest levels — the rich simply wanting to get filthy rich. This is completely immoral and those involved will eventually be judged for their actions, especially if the legal system fails to correct them.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

Luke 12:1-7

1 At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees. 2 “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 5 I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”

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Daily Readings for October 15, 2015

1ST READING

Paul acknowledged that all were sinners and in need of redemption. He also acknowledged that God made this judgment and sent Jesus to deal with sin by crucifying it on the Cross along with Him. The only way we can share in this victory is through faith. We cannot accomplish it on our own; we must rely on the victory of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Romans 3:21-30

21 Brothers and sisters: Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, though testified to by the law and the prophets, 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; 23 all have sinned and are deprived of the glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, 26 through the forbearance of God — to prove his righteousness in the present time, that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 What occasion is there then for boasting? It is ruled out. On what principle, that of works? No, rather on the principle of faith. 28 For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Does God belong to Jews alone? Does he not belong to Gentiles, too? Yes, also to Gentiles, 30 for God is one and will justify the circumcised on the basis of faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

P S A L M

Psalm 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice! 2 Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. (R) 3 If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? 4 But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. (R) 5 I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in his word. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn. (R)

GOSPEL

Today is the Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, one of the greatest mystics of the Church. She wrote the theology of mysticism and Therese of Lisieux, another Carmelite nun, whose feast day was on the first of this month, made it accessible for all to understand. The insights into the spiritual life found in the writings of St. Teresa of Avila are indeed profound. She also had a sense of humor, as most saints seem to have, and challenged the way God allowed her to suffer and endure difficulty and trials.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.

Luke 11:47-54

47 The Lord said: “Woe to you who build the memorials of the prophets whom your fathers killed. 48 Consequently, you bear witness and give consent to the deeds of your ancestors, for they killed them and you do the building. 49 Therefore, the wisdom of God said, ‘I will send to them prophets and Apostles; some of them they will kill and persecute’ 50 in order that this generation might be charged with the blood of all the prophets shed since the foundation of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who died between the altar and the temple building. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be charged with their blood! 52 Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key of knowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.” 53 When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility toward him and to interrogate him about many things, 54 for they were plotting to catch him at something he might say.

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Daily Readings for October 14, 2015

1ST READING

The reading today tells about the sinfulness in the world. It is a very accurate description of the world and its problems. Sin does not change its colors, so to speak. Sin has escalated in the world. What is God going to do about it?

Romans 2:1-11

1 You, O Man, are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. 3 Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? 5 By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, 6 who will repay everyone according to his works, 7 eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, 8 but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. 9 Yes, affliction and distress will come upon everyone who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. 10 But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. 11 There is no partiality with God.

P S A L M

Psalm 62:2-3, 6-7, 9

R: Lord, you give back to everyone according to his works.

1 [2] Only in God is my soul at rest; from him comes my salvation. 2 [3] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed at all. (R) 5 [6] Only in God be at rest, my soul, for from him comes my hope. 6 [7] He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be disturbed. (R) 8 [9] Trust in him at all times, O my people! Pour out your hearts before him; God is our refuge! (R)

GOSPEL

The lawyer should have kept his mouth shut instead of interrupting Jesus. This, and also the way lawyers like him preyed on those unable to protect themselves, disappointed Jesus. The Scriptures are very clear about disputes between the faithful — settle them amicably before they are taken to the court, because there is often no mercy and no leeway for amicable agreement once the problem has escalated.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.

Luke 11:42-46

42 The Lord said: “Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. 43 Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. 44 Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk.” 45 Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too.” 46 And he said, “Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them.”

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Daily Readings for October 13, 2015

1ST READING

Paul sees suppression of the truth as the fundamental sin of the age, and it is also the same for our time today. Everything wrong with society can be traced back to this. Whether we are looking at social inequities and injustices, the rise and spread of all sorts of immorality, or the simple breakdown of human relationships, they are all rooted in the suppression of the truths of the Gospel, if not the Commandments.

Romans 1:16-25

16 Brothers and sisters: I am not ashamed of the Gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek. 17 For in it is revealed the righteousness of God from faith to faith; as it is written, “The one who is righteous by faith will live.” 18 The wrath of God is indeed being revealed from heaven against every impiety and wickedness of those who suppress the truth by their wickedness. 19 For what can be known about God is evident to them, because God made it evident to them. 20 Ever since the creation of the world, his invisible attributes of eternal power and divinity have been able to be understood and perceived in what he has made. As a result, they have no excuse; 21 for although they knew God they did not accord him glory as God or give him thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 While claiming to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for the likeness of an image of mortal man or of birds or of four-legged animals or of snakes. 24 Therefore, God handed them over to impurity through the lusts of their hearts for the mutual degradation of their bodies. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie and revered and worshipped the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

P S A L M

Psalm 19:2-3, 4-5

R: The heavens proclaim the glory of God.

1 [2] The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. 2[3] Day pours out the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge. (R) 3 [4] Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; 4 [5] through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus can see through the false holiness of the Pharisee. The Pharisee is surprised that Jesus does not follow a little item of the law — the washing His hands before a meal. Yet he is full of wickedness within in the way he deals with the people, particularlythe poor who are least able to keep many of the tenets of the law due to their difficult circumstances. Those who work full-time, such as priests and the religious have time set aside for many pious practices like prayer and penance. However, those with families have less available time and capacity for such practices.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Luke 11:37-41

37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.”

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Daily Readings for October 12, 2015

1ST READING

Remember this phrase from today’s reading: “obedience of faith.” Why did Paul repeat this at the end of his letter? It forms the brackets of what scholars call an “inclusion.” Everything that falls between these two occurrences of the phrase is an explanation of the phrase. So Paul’s Letter to the Romans is really a letter about the meaning of “obedience of faith.”

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

What place do signs have in our life of faith? Signs should be sought sparingly. The Holy Spirit will make it known if we are on the right path, in our journey of faith through the ordinary events of our daily lives. There is no need to ask for extraordinary signs all the time. We must avoid the trap of testing God.

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.”

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