Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection September 20, 2024

20th September 2024 (Friday)

Psalter: Week 4

Reading of the Day

First Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Brethren: If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Psalm 17:1, 6-7, 8 and 15 (R. 15b)

R/. When I awake, O Lord, I shall be filled with the vision of your presence

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Alleluia

R/. Alleluia

V/. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.

R/. Alleluia.

Gospel: Luke 8:1-3

At that time: Jesus went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Daily Gospel Reflection

Friday – Twenty-Fourth Week of Ordinary Time

Guidelines: There is absolutely no inequality and discrimination in following the Lord or serving His people

1. The kingdom of God is for all and is open to all. It is not for only a privileged few. All that is needed is faith that believes in the Lord and follows him. This is the only qualification and requirement to be a member of the kingdom. And all these members receive and carry out the same mission of fostering the kingdom of love, equality, and justice.

2. Different types of disciples followed Jesus. There were apostles and also some women. This shows that the mission of Jesus embraces all irrespective of any differences like status or gender. His mission is a mission of equality. There is no room for any disparity or discrimination in the kingdom of God or the mission of the Lord.

3. Thus, the mission of the kingdom is participatory and not monopolizing. It assigns different roles and functions to different persons and groups. There is no question of exclusion or domination. It is different ways of serving the Lord through different gifts and charisms.

4. Whenever and wherever there are tendencies of overpowering, overriding and sidelining others, whenever there are ego-projections and ego-promotions, it is a clear sign that they are not working for the kingdom.

5. In particular, gender equality is a sensitive issue, and women should be respected and given their due role. It is a fact that many of our faith communities are active and vibrant because of a good number of women. They do immense work by way of catechism and other assistance services like altar decoration, arranging for the holy mass, singing animation, etc.

6. All these services are very good and needed so much for a lively community, steady faith formation, and meaningful liturgical celebrations. But women should also be given roles and participation in the decision-making bodies. They should have a say in the administration and animation of the church affairs on various levels.

Practice: Even centuries before, Jesus had the spirit of synodality in faith matters. Women should be empowered so that they can animate and support the faith communities for an effective Christian living