Daily Readings - Tue Mar 11 2025

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

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the power of God’s word and the simplicity of prayer. The first reading from Isaiah uses the imagery of rain and snow to describe how God’s word descends upon the earth, nurturing it and bringing forth life. Just as the earth cannot resist the nourishment of the rain, neither can the human heart resist the transformative power of God’s word when it is received with openness and faith. Isaiah’s prophecy speaks to a people in exile, offering them hope that God’s word will not return empty but will accomplish its purpose of renewal and restoration. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray with sincerity and trust. He warns against the temptation to use many words, as if the quantity of our prayers might impress God. Instead, Jesus offers the Lord’s Prayer, a model of simplicity and depth. This prayer is not just a formula but a way of life. It calls us to reverence God’s name, to seek His will, to trust in His provision, and to embrace forgiveness. Jesus emphasizes that our prayers are heard not because of their length or complexity, but because of the sincerity of our hearts and our willingness to forgive others as we ask for forgiveness. These readings invite us to reflect on how we approach prayer and God’s word in our daily lives. Like the rain that waters the earth, God’s word can bring life and fruitfulness to our souls if we allow it to take root. Similarly, our prayers should be genuine and heartfelt, trusting in God’s goodness and wisdom. Let us ask ourselves: Do we approach prayer with the same faith and simplicity that Jesus teaches? Do we allow God’s word to shape our lives and guide our actions? May we learn to pray with the confidence that our Father knows what we need, and may we embrace the grace of forgiveness that makes our prayers fruitful.