Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 3, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 27.4-7
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Psalm 92
1It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;2to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night,3to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.4For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.5How great are your works, O LORD! Your thoughts are very deep!6The stupid man cannot know; the fool cannot understand this:7that though the wicked sprout like grass and all evildoers flourish, they are doomed to destruction forever;8but you, O LORD, are on high forever.9For behold, your enemies, O LORD, for behold, your enemies shall perish; all evildoers shall be scattered.10But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil.11My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies; my ears have heard the doom of my evil assailants.12The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.13They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God.14They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green,15to declare that the LORD is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15.54-58
54When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."55"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?"56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.58Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Gospel: Luke 6.39-45
39He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?40A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.41Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?42How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.43"For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,44for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.45The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of faith, self-examination, and the authenticity of our actions. The first reading from Sirach reminds us that true faith must be steadfast, even in the face of trials. It uses vivid metaphors—a sieve and a furnace—to illustrate how our commitment to God is tested, revealing the genuineness of our hearts. This passage encourages us to embrace challenges as opportunities to deepen our faith, much like refining fire purifies metal.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians shifts our focus to the ultimate triumph of faith over death. Paul emphasizes that through Christ, death loses its power, and sin is stripped of its authority. This reading offers a message of hope, reminding us that our struggles are not in vain, as we are assured of victory through Jesus. It calls us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that our efforts to live a virtuous life are not futile but are instead fruitful in God’s eyes.
The Gospel from Luke challenges us to introspection and humility. Jesus’ parables remind us that we cannot lead others if we ourselves are not guided by wisdom. The striking image of seeing a straw in another’s eye while ignoring the log in our own highlights the hypocrisy of judging others without first examining ourselves. Jesus teaches that our words and actions are reflections of the state of our hearts, urging us to cultivate goodness within so that our outward expressions may be sincere and life-giving.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are reminded to approach each challenge with faith, trusting in God’s plan. We must be honest with ourselves, acknowledging our own shortcomings before addressing those of others. Let us nurture our hearts with love and compassion, ensuring that our actions and words bear witness to the good news of Christ. In doing so, we embody the hope and integrity that these readings call us to, living as fruitful branches of the vine that is Christ.