📖 Readings for October 3, 2025
First Reading – Baruch 1:15-22 Catholic Daily Readings+1
“Justice is with the Lord our God; but to us belong shame of face, as you can see this day for all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, those who with our kings, our princes, our priests, and our prophets, and our fathers, have sinned before the Lord, in that we have not hearkened to the voice of the Lord our God. … We have joined ourselves to the nations, to our shame, and become as those who are unclean; therefore he has delivered us into the hand of the enemy… We have walked in the stubbornness of our hearts, and in our wicked schemes. So in our humiliation we cry to you, Lord, and you will rescue us.”
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 79:1b-2, 3-5, 8-9 Catholic Daily Readings
R. For the glory of your name, O Lord, deliver us.
O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, ruined Jerusalem.
They have given the corpses of your servants as food for the birds of heaven, the flesh of your faithful to wild beasts.
We have become a reproach to our neighbors, scorn and derision to those around us.
Remember not against us the sins of bygone days; quickly, Lord, your mercy bestow, for we are brought very low.
Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and pardon our sins, for your name’s sake.
Alleluia — Psalm 95:8 Catholic Daily Readings
Alleluia, alleluia. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.
Gospel – Luke 10:13-16 USCCB+1
Jesus said:
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.
Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Verse of the Day
“Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” — Luke 10:16
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today’s readings confront us with a hard truth: God’s mercy calls for our repentance and responsiveness. Baruch confesses the sins of the people, acknowledging their failure to hear God. In the Gospel, Jesus warns of judgment for those who reject His message—He identifies with His messengers. We are called to listen, not ignore.
II. Gospel in its Context
Jesus speaks to the towns where He has ministered—places like Chorazin and Bethsaida—that have seen His mighty works but have not responded. The warning is stark: familiarity or privilege does not excuse rejection. He states plainly that rejecting His messengers is rejecting Him and the Father. The urgency is clear: hearing must lead to faith and obedience.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance on Humility & Hearing
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Baruch’s confession shows humility: the people admit their sin, their stubbornness, their unfaithfulness. Repentance begins by recognizing our faults.
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The Psalm implores God’s mercy and deliverance, acknowledging the people’s low state and dependence on God’s grace.
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Jesus links the destiny of His messengers to Himself and to the Father. Humility here means that we cannot separate our response to God from our response to His Word and His representatives.
IV. Reflections
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It is easier to ignore or reject uncomfortable messages than to accept them. Yet doing so brings serious consequences.
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God’s messengers—our pastors, teachers, even close ones—carry His voice. Rejecting them at times is rejecting God’s invitation.
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The warning is not of fear but of call: to align our hearts, to listen carefully, to respond faithfully.
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Humility empowers “listening” because humility admits we may be wrong and need change.
V. Practical Applications
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Pause and reflect: What messages from God or others have I been ignoring or rejecting?
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Open your ears and heart: Pray for the grace to hear without defensiveness, to receive correction.
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Respond in obedience: When God speaks through His Word or persons, act—don’t delay.
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Examine your attitude to authority: Do you dismiss or resist those speaking God’s Word because of pride?
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Beg God’s mercy: Like Baruch and the Psalmist, cry out for forgiveness and deliverance.
VI. Conclusion
The readings today invite a sober self-examination: will we be among those who heard and responded, or among those who reject, ignoring God’s voice? The grace to listen, repent, and obey lies before us. Let us humble ourselves and open our hearts to His transforming Word.
🤲 Prayer for the Reader
Lord God,
Grant me ears to truly hear You, eyes to see Your truth, and a heart willing to respond. Forgive me for times I have ignored Your voice or rejected Your messengers. Humble me, soften me, and lead me in paths of obedience and faith. May I live today in the light of Your mercy, open to Your direction and faithful to Your call. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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