Today's Catholic Mass Readings & Gospel Reflection - Friday ,October 20, 2023 #dailymassreadings

Today's Catholic Mass Readings & Gospel Reflection - Friday, October 20, 2023. Feast day of Saint Artemius. FIRST READING : Romans 4: 1-8 Brothers and sisters: 'What can we say that Abraham found, our ancestor according to the flesh? Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. A worker's wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 'Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record. RESPONSORIAL PSALM : "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation." GOSPEL : Luke 12:1-7 At that time: 'So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, "Beware of the leaven - that is, the hypocrisy of the Pharisees."There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors wil be proclaimed on the housetops. I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, i tell you, be afraid of that one. Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God.'Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows." Reflection : "POWER TO CAST INTO GEHENNA". Scriptures see the human being as an embodied spirit. When a man dies, his body decays, but something of him exists: his psyche (translated as "life" or "soul'"). There is death which is the end of existence on earth; there is also the "second death" which is the end of a person's relationship with God due to the evil life one has lived. Jesus teaches that we should be afraid of this second death. On account of the Gospel, the disciples will face difficulty, opposition and division, conflict and betrayal, and even death. Jesus does not promise to save them from suffering and death. But he assures them of God's unfailing care. Just as God cares even for the least and most insignificant creatures, like the sparrows that are so common that they have very little commercial value, so does God have all our interests at heart. If God cares for these little birds, how much more will God cares for Jesus' disciples? No disciple needs to be afraid, then, for he can truly say, "God cares for me." And this care covers not just life on this earth; it extends to the life beyond, preserving us from the 'second death." Even if the person's soul survives after death, he cannot escape the "second death" that is the punishment he incurs from the justice of God. His separation from God is the ultimate suffering, symbolized by being cast into Gehenna. He is thrown outside where there is wailing and grinding of teeth... Powerful prayer to the sacred heart of jesus Christ..( repeat 3x ).. Most precious blood of jesus Christ, Save us and the whole world.. most Precious Blood of jesus christ, save us and the whole world.. most Precious Blood of jesus christ, save us and the whole world.. amen..