Opening Prayer
Lord God, you have enlightened the mind of Saint Leo with the wisdom of your Word. Help us, by his example and intercession, to seek you in integrity of heart, to forgive from the heart, and to walk in faith strengthened by your mercy. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings
First Reading
From the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 1:1-7) — “Love righteousness, you who judge the earth; think of the Lord in goodness, and seek him in integrity of heart…” Potty Padre+3USCCB+3EWTN Global Catholic Television Network+3
Responsorial Psalm
A portion of Psalm 146 (7-10) — “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob…” USCCB+1
Gospel
From the Gospel of Luke (17:1-6) — “If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him… The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’ The Lord said, ‘If you had faith the size of a mustard seed…’” Bible Gateway+2Fr. Alfonse's Daily Meditations+2
(Note: Some sources list this reading for the Tuesday memorial; but the Vatican’s „Word of the Day” resource lists this Gospel for 10 Nov. Vatican News)
Summary & Commentary / Application
First Reading (Wisdom 1:1-7):
The reading calls us to righteousness and sincerity before God: to “seek him in integrity of heart” (v. 1) and warns that into a sinful, deceitful heart, true wisdom will not dwell. USCCB+1
It affirms that God is intimately aware of our thoughts and words (v. 6-7: “God is the witness of the inmost self… the spirit of the Lord fills the world”). responsorialpsalmcatholic
Application: For both Catholics and catechumens this invites an interior examination: Are we genuinely seeking God with simplicity of heart? Are there attitudes of deceit, injustice, or hardness of heart that hinder wisdom from dwelling within us? We are called to live transparently before God and neighbour.
Gospel (Luke 17:1-6):
Jesus warns that stumbling-blocks will come, and it is a serious matter when we cause “little ones” to sin. Then he instructs: if a brother sins and repents, we are to forgive—even if it happens many times. The apostles, noticing this difficulty, ask: “Increase our faith.” Jesus replies that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. USCCB+2Fr. Alfonse's Daily Meditations+2
Application:
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We recognise our need for forgiveness and our call to forgiving others. As Pope Francis observed: “a Christian who is incapable of forgiving, is not a Christian.” Vatican
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The reading also challenges us to expand our trust in God: faith, even if seemingly small, is powerful when grounded in Christ.
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For catechumens, especially, this is a call to enter the Christian community with hearts open to both giving and receiving forgiveness, recognising we are disciples who rely on grace and mercy.
Integration of Both Readings:
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Wisdom invites sincere hearts and upright lives; the Gospel invites mercy, forgiveness and faith. Together, they suggest a Christian life that is both morally upright and deeply relational—rooted in God’s justice and mercy.
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In catechumenal terms, this is very much the journey: seeking God, being transformed by truth and love, being initiated into a community where forgiveness, integrity, and faith are lived.
Relevant CCC References:
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On forgiveness: CCC 2844-2845 emphasises that forgiveness is essential to Christian prayer, reconciliation, and life in community:
“Forgiveness is a high-point of Christian prayer; only hearts attuned to God’s compassion can receive the gift of prayer… There is no limit or measure to this essentially divine forgiveness, whether one speaks of ‘sins’… or ‘debts’…” Catholic Culture
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On moral life and integrity: While not a direct link to Wisdom 1, the moral teaching of the Church calls for the interior conversion and living in truth with God and neighbour (see Part III of the Catechism).
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On faith: CCC 162 states that faith is a gift from God. Though the mustard-seed faith in Luke reminds us that even small faith trusts the power of God.
Closing Prayer
God of wisdom and mercy, you hear the voice of those who seek you and forgive those who turn to you. As we have heard your Word this day, may it bear fruit in our lives: that we may walk in integrity of heart, bear one another’s burdens, forgive as we have been forgiven, and live by faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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