Daily Readings - Sat Feb 18 2023
Hebrews
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
Mark
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 encounter powerful lessons about faith, trust, and the divine plan. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. The examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah illustrate how faith leads to actions that please God and bring His justice into the world. These ancient figures trusted in God’s promises, even when the future was uncertain, and their faith was rewarded. The reading challenges us to reflect on our own faith: do we trust in God’s existence and His plan, even when we cannot see the full picture?
The Gospel from Mark presents the Transfiguration, a moment of profound revelation for Peter, James, and John. Jesus, appearing in glory alongside Moses and Elijah, is affirmed by the Father’s voice as the beloved Son. This event is a turning point for the disciples, offering them a glimpse of Jesus’ divine identity and strengthening their faith before the trials ahead. Peter’s impulsive suggestion to build tabernacles reveals his limited understanding, but the Father’s command to “listen to him” reminds us all to trust in Jesus’ words and plan. The Transfiguration also connects to the broader story of salvation, as Elijah’s appearance hints at the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like the figures in Hebrews, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. Like the disciples, we must learn to listen to Jesus and follow His lead, even when it challenges our assumptions. In a world filled with uncertainty, faith and trust in God’s plan are our anchors. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? How can I listen more attentively to His voice in my life? May we, like the saints of old, walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that God’s justice and love will ultimately prevail.