Daily Readings for October 16, 2018

1st READING

In today’s reading, Paul teaches that “faith working through love” is the way to eternal life. Let us direct our energies to faithful loving. If we do this, we will discover that the Holy Spirit will direct us to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it, and show us how to disciple them. This is the vision of Pope Francis – to build evangelizing communities of missionary disciples.

Galatians 5:1-6

1 Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. 2 It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law. 4 You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

P S A L M 

Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48

R: Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

41 Let your mercy come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. (R) 43 Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for in your ordinances is my hope. (R) 44 And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (R) 45 And I will walk at liberty, because I seek your precepts. (R) 47 And I will delight in your commands, which I love. (R) 48 And I will lift up my hands to your commands and meditate on your statutes. (R) 

GOSPEL 

The ritual washings in any faith are rooted in the need to be clean than in a real spiritual value. Ritual washing is symbolic of many things, but its origin is in observing proper hygiene to avoid sickness. We can continue such religious practices, but not make them a law that lacks relevance.

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.

Daily Readings for October 15, 2018

1st READING

The argument of Paul about the origins of living under grace and the law is impossible to follow, mainly because it cannot remain coherent. It is impossible to describe a spiritual reality with a material example. We all have a choice whether to rely on our own strength or place our hope and trust in God. Let us pray that we choose well.

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31-5:1

22 Brothers and sisters: It is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman. 23 The son of the slave woman was born naturally, the son of the freeborn through a promise. 24 Now this is an allegory. These women represent two covenants. One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. 26 But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband. 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman. 5:1 For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery.

P S A L M 

Psalm 113:1-2, 3-4, 5, 6-7

R: Blessed be the name of the Lord forever.

1 Praise, you servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed be the name of the Lord both now and forever. (R) 3 From the rising to the setting of the sun is the name of the Lord to be praised. 4 High above all nations is the Lord; above the heavens is his glory. (R) 5 Who is like the Lord, our God, who 6 looks upon the heavens and the earth below? 7 He raises up the lowly from the dust; from the dunghill he lifts up the poor. (R) 

GOSPEL 

We have heard and understood the Gospel and have the responsibility to live and proclaim it. We cannot expect the same of those who have not heard the Good News yet. Jesus hints at this in the Gospel when He speaks of pagan rulers who live righteous lives better than the Jews. It is the pagans’ lives that will judge the chosen people who have failed to live out the covenant.

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.”

Daily Readings for October 14, 2018

1st READING

Prudence is a virtue that is often underestimated. If it were observed more, there would be fewer financial problems. Prudence is associated with discernment. However, discernment is not one of the traits that people seek to develop today. We are more interested in simple, easy fixes, even when the problems are huge and complex. We lack the capacity to recognize what is needed in a given situation. Prudence will always remind us of this.

Wisdom 7:7-11

7 I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded and the spirit of wisdom came to me. 8 I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, 9 nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. 10 Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. 11 Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands.

P S A L M 

Psalm 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17

R: Fill us with your love, O Lord, and we will sing for joy!

12 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart. 13 Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants! (R) 14 Fill us at daybreak with your kindness, that we may shout for joy and gladness all our days. 15 Make us glad, for the days when you afflicted us, for the years when we saw evil. (R) 16 Let your work be seen by your servants and your glory by their children; 17 and may the gracious care of the Lord our God be ours; prosper the work of our hands for us! Prosper the work of our hands! (R) 

2nd READING

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the Scriptures. Today’s reading reminds us that the Word of God is capable of slicing between soul and spirit. We need to draw on the power of God’s Word when we need it the most — in times of temptation when we need to stand on the promises of the Lord; in times when we doubt our faith and we need to trust in His promises.

Hebrews 4:12-13

12 Brothers and sisters: Indeed, the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart. 13 No creature is concealed from him, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account. 

GOSPEL 

Jesus is not afraid to “ruffle the feathers” of those who think they are well-off  with God’s blessings and the gift of salvation. Today, He targets the wealthy and challenges them about how they are using their wealth as this could determine their salvation. If they live selfishly, then they will be in danger of losing their salvation. If they are generous to the poor, they will gain their lives for eternity.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:17-30

17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” 28 Peter began to say to him, “We have given up everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.”

Daily Readings for October 13, 2018

1st READING

It is difficult to make sense of the nature and role of the law if the argument is carried to its conclusion. However, we do get to consider the law in an interesting role as a teacher of the people and as a disciplinarian. These images are helpful in explaining aspects of the law. Let us seek a deeper understanding of the law’s role.

Galatians 3:22-29

22 Brothers and sisters: Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. 23 Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. 24 Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. 26 For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.

P S A L M 

Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (R) 4 Look to the Lord in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. 5 Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (R) 

GOSPEL 

Jesus is interested in what constitutes salvation. It is quite irrelevant as to the womb that carried Jesus. It is a blessing for that woman, but it does not necessarily assure her salvation. However, hearing the Word of God and keeping it does. Let us remain wary and not get distracted by incidental things. Let us focus on the things that matter.

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.”

Daily Readings for October 12, 2018

1st READING

Paul is a scholar of the Old Testament. The way that he reads the Gospel into Abraham’s encounter with God is simply brilliant. The argument he makes in today’s reading is similar to the one in Romans 4. Paul makes it clear that Jesus’ Gospel stands on the tradition of the Old Testament. Abraham is saved by his faith, and it is the same for us Christians.

Galatians 3:7-14

7 Brothers and sisters: Realize that it is those who have faith who are children of Abraham. 8 Scripture, which saw in advance that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold the good news to Abraham, saying, Through you shall all the nations be blessed. 9 Consequently, those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham who had faith. 10 For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed be everyone who does not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law. 11 And that no one is justfied before God by the law is clear, for the one who is righteous by faith will live. 12 But the law does not depend on faith; rather, the one who does these things will live by them. 13 Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree, 14 that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

P S A L M 

Psalm 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

R: The Lord will remember his covenant forever.

1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights. (R) 3 Majesty and glory are his work, and his justice endures forever. 4 He has won renown for his wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the Lord. (R) 5 He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. 6 He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. (R) 

GOSPEL 

Jesus reminds us that if we are a divided community, the devil can conquer us. “United we stand; divided we fall” is a motto in war circles, and is also true of Christian discipleship. We need to be members of a vibrant Christian community if we want to grow in our faith. It is also the best way to give witness to the Gospel and draw others into a life of discipleship.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The prince of this world will now be cast out, and when I am lifted up from the earth I will draw all to myself, says the Lord.

Luke 11:15-26

15 When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said: “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” 16 Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. 17 But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. 18 And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. 19 If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 20 But if it is by the nger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. 22 But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 When an unclean spirit goes out of someone, it roams through arid regions searching for rest but, finding none, it says, ‘I shall return to my home from which I came.’ 25 But upon returning, it finds it swept clean and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings back seven other spirits more wicked than itself who move in and dwell there, and the last condition of that person is worse than the first.”