Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection October 07, 2024
Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
07th October 2024 (Monday)
Psalter: Week 3
Readings of the Day
First Reading: Galatians 1:6-12
Brethren: I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed. For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9 and 10c (R. 5b)
R/. The Lord keeps his covenant ever in mind.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. A new commandment I give to you, says the Lord, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 10:25-37
At that time: A lawyer stood up to put Jesus to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself.” And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.” But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbour?” Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
Monday – Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Guidelines: We are living in a world where human sensitivities are losing teeth. Many are losing that capacity of the heart to feel and be moved by the pain and difficulty of the other
1. “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This was the question of a lawyer to Jesus. Was he genuine in his question because he was religious-minded and destiny-oriented? We need not probe into the intention of this lawyer. He might have been sincerely desirous of inheriting eternal life. Or, he might have intended to trap Jesus forcing him to answer controversial questions.
2. But for us, the question itself is more important. It is so dense. It shows two essential aspects of our life: the loftiness of our purpose, a higher goal for our life; and also the personal responsibility to reach that goal, to accomplish that purpose.
3. The goal or the purpose of the lawyer in the gospel is “inheriting the eternal life”. To realize this, he is also aware of his effort on his part, raising the question, “What shall I do?”
4. The answer to this is found in the parable of the good Samaritan in the person of the Samaritan. What must we do to inherit eternal life? Do like him. Be a good neighbour to others, especially in times of pain and need.
5. The lawyer asks the question, “Who is my neighbour?” In the understanding of the Jews, the neighbourhood was confined only to their race and nation. Thus, neighbourhood was a matter of kinsmanship, affinity, and some allegiance. In the case of many, this is the same understanding. A neighbour is one who belongs to the same caste, region, religion, culture, language, etc.
6. In the case of some others, the neighbourhood is a matter of geographical vicinity and physical nearness. Further, some others consider others as neighbours who are good and helpful to them. Accordingly, whom one needs, who are useful to him, are considered neighbours.
7. But, Jesus reverses the whole question, the whole perspective, and the approach. The question is no more “who is my neighbor?” but “to whom I am a neighbor?” Such a change of question is not merely a change of words.
8. It is a change of the entire attitude and way of life. It is a concrete experience and exercise of profound sensitivity. It is a sensitivity that sees the pain and struggle of the other, feels for them, takes time to go for their help, and spares time and resources to care for them.
9. A neighbour is not any longer one who is near or dear to me by affinities of blood, vicinity, or interests. A neighbour is anyone and everyone who is in need, who needs my help. A neighbour is not so much who can help me, but rather one whom I can help. The good Samaritan stands as an icon for this true and perfect neighbourliness.
10. Mary whom we venerate as Our Lady of the Rosary is a perfect replica of the good Samaritan. She is always sensitive and concerned towards the struggles and needs of her children. She mediates and intervenes constantly through her various apparitions and miracles.
Practice: A good life is not merely good knowledge, good intentions, and good words. Ultimately it must be seen in good actions of sensitivity.
