Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection September 23, 2024
Twenty-Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
23rd September 2024 (Monday)
Psalter: Week 1
Reading of the Day
First Reading: Proverbs 3:27-34
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. Do not say to your neighbour, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you. Do not plan evil against your neighbour, who dwells trustingly beside you. Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways, for the devious person is an abomination to the Lord, but the upright are in his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Towards the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favour.
Psalm 15:2-3a, 3bc-4ab, 5 (R. see 1b)
R/. Who shall dwell on your holy mountain, O Lord?
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 8:16-18
At that time: Jesus said to the crowds, “No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light. Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
Monday – Twenty-Fifth Week of Ordinary Time
Guidelines: Faith is the light that must shine and spread light to see and work
1. In the gospel, Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp. A lamp is meant to spread light. For this, it must not be covered under something. Our Christian life and following Jesus is like the lamp. Faith is that light which keeps this lamp burning. Our faith is not to be a mere matter of tradition or for name’s sake.
2. Our life of faith must be radiant and vibrant. We cannot be lamps without light. We cannot claim to be people with light that is not seen. If there is light, it must be manifested in its spread of radiance and brightness.
3. To live a faith-lighted life that is radiant is to live a life of integrity and witness. Concretely, it is to live a life of benevolence. Some of the details are given in the first reading. It is to be sincerely prompt to be kind-hearted to do all the help possible to others.
4. It means not to be evasive and escaping from the fraternal obligation, saying simply, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it”. It is to be positive-minded and trustworthy toward others, not planning evil against them. It is to avoid all unnecessary contentions against others.
5. It also means to detest and shun the ways of the violent, devious, and scornful. It would mean being firm not to be attracted or influenced or carried away by their ways which may be temporarily prosperous. Further, it is to be humble, upright, and righteous, guarding against all arrogance and wickedness.
6. In this kind of benevolence and uprightness before God, there are no half-measures. it calls for wholeheartedness and a spirit of abundance. That is why Jesus says, “To the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away”.
7. This is what becomes crystal clear in the life and mission of St Pius (Padre Pio) of Pietrelcina. He was a man, so humble and totally surrendered to God. As the first reading from Proverbs tells us, “God became a shield to him because he took refuge in Him”.
8. He was so authentic, with no falsity or malice. He was so modest and moderate, that no worldly abundance could ever attract him or deviate him. He became a popular saint, and in a way, a family saint for many families, because his life was simple as a next door neighbour.
Practice: In the life of a true follower of Christ, there is no room for darkness or counter-witness, or mediocrity. Every disciple is called to be a lighted witness, integral and fully charged
