Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 8, 2020
Genesis
1Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.2And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.3I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."4So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
2 Timothy
8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God,9who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,10and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
Matthew
1And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.3And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.4And Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."5He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him."6When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified.7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."8And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.9And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, "Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the revelation of God's divine plan. The first reading from Genesis recounts Abram's pivotal moment of faith, where he is called by God to leave his homeland at the age of 75. This call signifies the beginning of a covenant that will shape the course of salvation history. Abram's trust in God, despite the unknown, exemplifies the kind of faith that underpins our relationship with the divine.
The second reading from 2 Timothy urges us to embrace the Gospel without shame, trusting in God's grace rather than our own works. It reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, revealed through Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and brought eternal life. This passage encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that they are part of a larger narrative of God's grace.
The Gospel reading, the Transfiguration of Jesus, offers a profound revelation of Jesus' divinity. On the mountain, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus' glory, alongside Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. God's voice commands them to listen to Jesus, affirming Him as the beloved Son. This moment strengthens the disciples' faith, preparing them for the trials ahead and pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of all that has been promised.
These readings weave together themes of trust, grace, and revelation. Abram's journey, the encouragement in Timothy, and the Transfiguration all highlight the importance of trusting in God's plan. In our daily lives, we are called to emulate Abram's faith, stepping into the unknown with confidence in God's promises. We are to stand firm in the Gospel, knowing that our salvation is a gift of grace. Let us see Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, guiding us to trust in His plan and live courageously in faith. May we, like the disciples, rise with courage, trusting that God's plan is greater than our own, and may we always listen to the voice of Jesus, our beloved Lord.