Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 17, 2019
First Reading: Genesis 15.5-12, 17-18
5And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."6And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.7And he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess."8But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?"9He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."10And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half.11And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.12As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him.17When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.4One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!8You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.11Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Second Reading: Philippians 3.20 – 4.1
Gospel: Luke 9.28b-36
28Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah,31who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.32Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.33And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said.34As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"36And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of trust, hope, and divine fulfillment. The first reading from Genesis 15 highlights Abram's unwavering faith in God's promise of land and descendants, which is recognized as righteousness. This narrative underscores the importance of trusting God's plan, even when the future seems uncertain.
The second reading from Philippians 3:20 – 4:1 shifts our gaze to the heavenly realm, reminding us that our true citizenship lies beyond this earth. Paul encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, awaiting the transformation that Christ will bring, reinforcing the hope of eternal life with Him.
The Gospel from Luke 9:28b-36 recounts the Transfiguration, where Jesus' divine glory is revealed alongside Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the fulfillment of God's promises. Peter's reaction illustrates human limitations in grasping divine events, yet the voice from the cloud directs us to listen to Jesus, affirming His authority and the fulfillment of God's plan.
These readings collectively invite us to trust in God's promises, much like Abram, and to hold onto the hope of eternal life with Christ. In our daily lives, this means maintaining faith despite uncertainties and keeping our eyes on the eternal hope God offers. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's plan and listen to His voice, for He is our ultimate hope and fulfillment.