Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 9, 2020
First Reading: Isaiah 58.6-10
6Is not this, instead, the kind of fast that I have chosen? Release the constraints of impiety; relieve the burdens that oppress; freely forgive those who are broken; and break apart every burden7Break your bread with the hungry, and lead the destitute and the homeless into your house. When you see someone naked, cover him, and do not despise your own flesh8Then your light will break forth like the morning, and your health will improve quickly, and your justice will go before your face, and the glory of the Lord will gather you up9Then you will call, and the Lord will heed; you will cry out, and he will say, "Here I am," if you take away the chains from your midst, and cease to point your finger and to speak what is not beneficial10When you pour out your life for the hungry, and you satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light will rise up in darkness, and your darkness will be like the midday
Psalm 112
1Alleluia. Of the return of Haggai and Zachariah. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord. He will prefer his commandments exceedingly2His offspring will be powerful on the earth. The generation of the upright will be blessed3Glory and wealth will be in his house, and his justice shall remain from age to age4For the upright, a light has risen up in the darkness. He is merciful and compassionate and just5Pleasing is the man who shows mercy and lends. He will order his words with judgment6For he will not be disturbed in eternity7The just one will be an everlasting memorial. He will not fear a report of disasters. His heart is prepared to hope in the Lord8His heart has been confirmed. He will not be disturbed, until he looks down upon his enemies9He has distributed, he has given to the poor. His justice shall remain from age to age. His horn shall be exalted in glory10The sinner will see and become angry. He will gnash his teeth and waste away. The desire of sinners will perish
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 2.1-5
1And so, brothers, when I came to you, announcing to you the testimony of Christ, I did not bring exalted words or lofty wisdom2For I did not judge myself to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified3And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and with much trembling4And my words and preaching were not the persuasive words of human wisdom, but were a manifestation of the Spirit and of virtue5so that your faith would not be based on the wisdom of men, but on the virtue of God
Gospel: Matthew 5.13-16
13You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is no longer useful at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men14You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden15And they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house16So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true faith and how it should manifest in our lives. In the first reading from Isaiah, we are reminded that fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about living out our faith in tangible ways. Isaiah calls us to break free from the chains of injustice, to feed the hungry, and to shelter the homeless. This is the kind of fasting that pleases God—a fasting that leads to action, compassion, and justice. The prophet emphasizes that when we live in this way, our light will shine brightly, and God’s presence will be evident in our lives.
In the second reading, St. Paul humbly shares his approach to preaching the Gospel. He did not rely on eloquent words or human wisdom but instead focused on the power of the cross. Paul’s message was simple yet profound: the crucified Christ is the heart of our faith. He reminds us that our faith should not be rooted in human wisdom but in the power of God. This reading challenges us to trust in God’s wisdom rather than our own and to proclaim the Gospel with humility and sincerity.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the metaphors of salt and light to describe the role of his followers in the world. Just as salt enhances flavor and light illuminates darkness, we are called to make a positive impact in the world around us. Jesus warns us against losing our saltiness or hiding our light. Instead, we are to let our good works shine so that others may see the goodness of God and glorify Him. This teaching reminds us that our faith is not just a private matter but something that should influence and transform the world.
These readings are interconnected in their call to live out our faith authentically. Isaiah emphasizes the importance of living justly and compassionately, Paul highlights the simplicity and power of the Gospel, and Jesus challenges us to be agents of transformation in the world. Together, they remind us that our faith should be visible in our actions, our words, and our commitment to justice and love. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How am I living out my faith? Am I a source of light and salt in my community? Let us strive to live in such a way that God’s presence is evident in our lives, and His love shines through us to a world in need.