Daily Readings - Tue Feb 28 2023
Isaiah
10And in the same manner as rain and snow descend from heaven, and no longer return there, but soak the earth, and water it, and cause it to bloom and to provide seed to the sower and bread to the hungry11so also will my word be, which will go forth from my mouth. It will not return to me empty, but it will accomplish whatever I will, and it will prosper in the tasks for which I sent it
Matthew
7And when praying, do not choose many words, as the pagans do. For they think that by their excess of words they might be heeded8Therefore, do not choose to imitate them. For your Father knows what your needs may be, even before you ask him9Therefore, you shall pray in this way: Our Father, who is in heaven: May your name be kept holy10May your kingdom come. May your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth11Give us this day our life-sustaining bread12And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors13And lead us not into temptation. But free us from evil. Amen14For if you will forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father also will forgive you your offenses15But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your sins
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God’s word and the simplicity of prayer. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear that just as rain and snow water the earth and bring forth life, so too does God’s word accomplish its purpose. It does not return empty but brings fruit, whether it is seed for the sower or bread for the hungry. This passage reminds us that God’s word is not just a distant promise but an active force in the world, nurturing and transforming all it touches.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray. He warns against the kind of prayer that relies on many words, as if repetition or complexity might guarantee being heard. Instead, He offers the simple yet profound prayer we know as the Our Father. This prayer is not about impressing others or ourselves; it is about aligning our hearts with God’s will. It asks for daily bread, forgiveness, and protection from evil, emphasizing that true prayer is rooted in humility, trust, and a willingness to forgive others as we seek forgiveness from God.
Together, these readings remind us that prayer and God’s word are not passive things. They are dynamic and transformative. Just as rain and snow bring life to the earth, prayer and the word of God can bring life to our souls. The challenge for us is to approach prayer with simplicity and sincerity, trusting that God knows our needs before we even speak them. Let us also remember that forgiveness is not optional; it is a cornerstone of living as children of God. As we pray today, may we seek to align our lives with God’s will, trusting in His word and living out the values of His kingdom.