Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 2, 2022
First Reading: Jeremiah 11.18-20
18But you, O Lord, have revealed this to me, and I have understood. Then you displayed their efforts to me19And I was like a meek lamb, who is being carried to be a victim. And I did not realize that they had devised plans against me, saying: "Let us place wood upon his bread, and let us eradicate him from the land of the living, and let his name no longer be remembered.20But you, O Lord of hosts, who judges justly, and who tests the temperament and the heart, let me see your vengeance against them. For I have revealed my case to you
Psalm 7
1A Psalm of David, which he sang to the Lord because of the words of Cush, the son of Jemini. O Lord, my God, in you I have hoped. Save me from all those who persecute me, and free me:2lest at any time, like a lion, he might seize my soul, while there is no one to redeem me, nor any who can save3O Lord, my God, if there is iniquity in my hands, if I have done this4if I have repaid those who rendered evils to me, may I deservedly fall away empty before my enemies5let the enemy pursue my soul, and take hold of it, and trample my life into the earth, and drag down my glory into the dust6Rise up, Lord, in your anger. And be exalted to the borders of my enemies. And rise up, O Lord my God, according to the precept that you commanded7and a congregation of people will surround you. And, because of this, return on high8The Lord judges the people. Judge me, O Lord, according to my justice and according to my innocence within me9The wickedness of sinners will be consumed, and you will direct the just: the examiner of hearts and temperaments is God10Just is my help from the Lord, who saves the upright of heart11God is a just judge, strong and patient. How could he be angry throughout every day12Unless you will be converted, he will brandish his sword. He has extended his bow and made it ready13And with it, he has prepared instruments of death. He has produced his arrows for those on fire14Behold him who has given birth to injustice: he has conceived sorrow and has begotten iniquity15He has opened a pit and enlarged it. And he has fallen into the hole that he made16His sorrow will be turned upon his own head, and his iniquity will descend upon his highest point17I will confess to the Lord according to his justice, and I will sing a psalm to the name of the Lord Most High
Gospel: John 7.40-53
40Therefore, some from that crowd, when they had heard these words of his, were saying, "This one truly is the Prophet.41Others were saying, "He is the Christ." Yet certain ones were saying: "Does the Christ come from Galilee42Does Scripture not say that the Christ comes from the offspring of David and from Bethlehem, the town where David was?43And so there arose a dissension among the multitude because of him44Now certain ones among them wanted to apprehend him, but no one laid hands upon him45Therefore, the attendants went to the high priests and the Pharisees. And they said to them, "Why have you not brought him?46The attendants responded, "Never has a man spoken like this man.47And so the Pharisees answered them: "Have you also been seduced48Have any of the leaders believed in him, or any of the Pharisees49But this crowd, which does not know the law, they are accursed.50Nicodemus, the one who came to him by night and who was one of them, said to them51"Does our law judge a man, unless it has first heard him and has known what he has done?52They responded and said to him: "Are you also a Galilean? Study the Scriptures, and see that a prophet does not arise from Galilee.53And each one returned to his own house
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, judgment, and the courage to stand by our faith. The first reading from Jeremiah depicts the prophet's unwavering trust in God's justice amidst betrayal. Jeremiah, likening himself to a meek lamb led to slaughter, expresses his reliance on God's just judgment, even when faced with adversity from his own people. This passage underscores Jeremiah's deep faith and his acceptance of God's plan, despite the challenges he faces.
The Gospel from John presents a scene of division and judgment. Jesus' teachings spark debate among the crowd and the Pharisees, with some recognizing him as the Prophet or the Christ, while others question his origins. The Pharisees' dismissal of the crowd as ignorant and their refusal to consider Jesus' message highlight the theme of preconceived notions and closed-mindedness. Nicodemus's cautious defense of Jesus serves as a reminder to approach judgment with fairness and openness.
Both readings relate through the themes of opposition and trust in divine justice. Jeremiah's trust in God's justice is mirrored in Jesus' steadfast commitment to his mission, despite the discord he provokes. These narratives encourage us to remain faithful and courageous in the face of adversity, trusting that God's justice will prevail.
In our daily lives, we may encounter situations where standing up for what is right leads to opposition. Like Jeremiah and Jesus, we are called to trust in God's justice and not be swayed by fear or adversity. This is a call to steadfastness and faith, reminding us to seek truth and righteousness, even when it is challenging. Let us embrace this moral lesson, trusting in God's plan and standing courageously in our faith.