Word Wide Open: The Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (C) - 10/23/22

 

First Reading (Sirach 32:12-14, 16-18)

A reading from the Book of Sirach.

The LORD is a God of justice,

 who knows no favorites.

 Though not unduly partial toward the weak,

 yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.

 The Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan,

 nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint.

 The one who serves God willingly is heard;

 his petition reaches the heavens.

 The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds;

 it does not rest till it reaches its goal,

 nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,

 judges justly and affirms the right,

 and the Lord will not delay.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? In what ways is God a god of justice? Why does God hear us better when we are closer to Him?

Second Reading (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)

A reading from the Second Letter of St. Paul to Timothy. 

Beloved:

I am already being poured out like a libation,

and the time of my departure is at hand.

I have competed well; I have finished the race;

I have kept the faith.

From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me,

which the Lord, the just judge,

will award to me on that day, and not only to me,

but to all who have longed for his appearance.

At my first defense no one appeared on my behalf,

but everyone deserted me.

May it not be held against them!

But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength,

so that through me the proclamation might be completed

and all the Gentiles might hear it.

And I was rescued from the lion's mouth.

The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat

and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. 

To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

The word of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this reading? What does it mean to be poured like a libation? How do we do that in our own lives?

Gospel (Luke 18:9-14)

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke.

Jesus addressed this parable

to those who were convinced of their own righteousness

and despised everyone else. 

"Two people went up to the temple area to pray;

one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 

The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself,

'O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity --

greedy, dishonest, adulterous -- or even like this tax collector. 

I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.'

But the tax collector stood off at a distance

and would not even raise his eyes to heaven

but beat his breast and prayed,

'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.'

I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former;

for whoever exalts himself will be humbled,

and the one who humbles himself will be exalted."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Asking the big questions: Is there anything that stuck out to you from this Gospel reading? Why do people often think Catholics are judgmental? What is humility and why is it so important to our faith?