Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 16, 2022
First Reading: Sirach 48.1-14
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Psalm 97
1The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad!2Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne.3Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around.4His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.5The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.6The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.7All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!8Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD.9For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.10O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked.11Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.12Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!
Gospel: Matthew 6.7-15
7"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread,12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.14For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the power of prayer and the importance of living with sincerity and forgiveness. The first reading from Sirach highlights the prophet Elijah, whose trust in God led to remarkable miracles and a deep impact on his people. Elijah's story teaches us that true power comes from faith and a steadfast commitment to God's will. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching the disciples the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing that prayer should be heartfelt and not just a recitation of words. Jesus underscores the essential role of forgiveness in our prayers, reminding us that our relationship with God is deeply intertwined with how we relate to others.
Both readings remind us that prayer is not about grand gestures or elaborate words but about sincerity and trust. Elijah's miracles were born out of his deep connection with God, while Jesus teaches that prayer should reflect our true selves and our willingness to forgive. The context of these readings shows us that prayer is a personal and communal act that shapes who we are and how we live. Elijah's faith and Jesus' teachings call us to examine our own prayer lives and ensure they are rooted in authenticity and compassion.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are encouraged to approach prayer with honesty and simplicity. Let us not get caught up in the length or complexity of our prayers but instead focus on speaking from our hearts. Forgiveness, as Jesus emphasizes, is central to our spiritual well-being. As we navigate our relationships and challenges, may we remember to forgive others as we seek forgiveness from God. In doing so, we embody the spirit of Elijah's faith and the teachings of Jesus, living as people of prayer and mercy. Let us strive to make prayer a genuine expression of our love for God and our commitment to living as His children.