Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 23, 2019
First Reading: Hebrews 11.1-7
1Now, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not apparent2For this reason, the ancients were given testimony3By faith, we understand the world to be fashioned by the Word of God, so that the visible might be made by the invisible4By faith, Abel offered to God a much better sacrifice than that of Cain, through which he obtained testimony that he was just, in that God offered testimony to his gifts. And through that sacrifice, he still speaks to us, though he is dead5By faith, Enoch was transferred, so that he would not see death, and he was not found because God had transferred him. For before he was transferred, he had testimony that he pleased God6But without faith, it is impossible to please God. For whoever approaches God must believe that he exists, and that he rewards those who seek him7By faith, Noah, having accepted an answer about those things which were not yet seen, being afraid, fashioned an ark for the salvation of his house. Through the ark, he condemned the world, and was established as the heir of the justice that occurs through faith
Psalm 145
1The Praise of David himself. I will extol you, O God, my king. And I will bless your name, in this time and forever and ever2Throughout every single day, I will bless you. And I will praise your name, in this time and forever and ever3The Lord is great and exceedingly praiseworthy. And there is no end to his greatness4Generation after generation will praise your works, and they will declare your power5They will tell of the magnificent glory of your sanctity. And they will discourse of your wonders6And they will talk about the virtue of your terrible acts. And they will describe your greatness7They will shout about the memory of your abundant sweetness. And they will exult in your justice8The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy9The Lord is sweet to all things, and his compassion is upon all his works10O Lord, may all your works confess to you, and let your holy ones bless you11They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and they will declare your power12so as to make known to the sons of men your power and the glory of your magnificent kingdom13Your kingdom is a kingdom for all ages, and your dominion is with all, from generation to generation. The Lord is faithful in all his words and holy in all his works14The Lord lifts up all who have fallen down, and he sets upright all who have been thrown down15O Lord, all eyes hope in you, and you provide their food in due time16You open your hand, and you fill every kind of animal with a blessing17The Lord is just in all his ways and holy in all his works18The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth19He will do the will of those who fear him, and he will heed their supplication and accomplish their salvation20The Lord watches over all who love him. And he will destroy all sinners21My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and may all flesh bless his holy name, in this time and forever and ever
Gospel: Mark 9.2-13
2And after six days, Jesus took with him Peter, and James, and John; and he led them separately to a lofty mountain alone; and he was transfigured before them3And his vestments became radiant and exceedingly white like snow, with such a brilliance as no fuller on earth is able to achieve4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses; and they were speaking with Jesus5And in response, Peter said to Jesus: "Master, it is good for us to be here. And so let us make three tabernacles, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.6For he did not know what he was saying. For they were overwhelmed by fear7And there was a cloud overshadowing them. And a voice came from the cloud, saying: "This is my most beloved Son. Listen to him.8And immediately, looking around, they no longer saw anyone, except Jesus alone with them9And as they were descending from the mountain, he instructed them not to relate to anyone what they had seen, until after the Son of man will have risen again from the dead10And they kept the word to themselves, arguing about what "after he will have risen from the dead" might mean11And they questioned him, saying: "Then why do the Pharisees and the scribes say that Elijah must arrive first?12And in response, he said to them: "Elijah, when he will arrive first, shall restore all things. And in the manner that it has been written about the Son of man, so must he suffer many things and be condemned13But I say to you, that Elijah also has arrived, (and they have done to him whatever they wanted) just as it has been written about him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of faith and its transformative power. The first reading from Hebrews 11 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. Through examples like Abel, Enoch, and Noah, we see faith in action—each trusting in God's promises despite the unknown. This chapter, often called the "Hall of Faith," highlights how these individuals' faith led to remarkable outcomes, shaping the world and their relationship with God.
The Gospel from Mark 9 recounts the Transfiguration, a pivotal moment where Jesus' divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John. Appearing with Elijah and Moses, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The voice from the cloud affirms Jesus as the beloved Son, urging the disciples to listen to Him. This event strengthens their faith as they prepare for the trials ahead, illustrating how faith reveals God's presence and plan.
Both readings emphasize faith's role in navigating life's uncertainties. Just as the figures in Hebrews trusted God's promises and the disciples found strength in the Transfiguration, we too can rely on faith to guide us. In our daily lives, faith helps us trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. It encourages us to act with courage and hope, knowing that God's promises are steadfast. Let us embrace faith, allowing it to transform our lives and deepen our trust in God's providence.