Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 10, 2023
First Reading: Genesis 3.1-8
1Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.He said to the woman, "Did God actually say, 'You shall not eat of any tree in the garden'?"2And the woman said to the serpent, "We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden,3but God said, 'You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'"4But the serpent said to the woman, "You will not surely die.5For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths.8And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.
Psalm 32
1Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah6Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.7You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah8I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.9Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.10Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
Gospel: Mark 7.31-37
31Then he returned from the region of Tyre and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, in the region of the Decapolis.32And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him.33And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue.34And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."35And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly.36And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.37And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well. He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the human condition and God's redemptive love. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Adam and Eve, where temptation and disobedience lead to the Fall. The serpent's cunning and the couple's choice to eat the forbidden fruit introduce sin into the world, resulting in their awareness of nakedness and subsequent hiding from God. This story sets the stage for understanding humanity's inherent frailty and the need for divine mercy.
The Gospel from Mark presents a stark contrast with the story of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man. Through this miracle, Jesus restores the man's ability to hear and speak, symbolizing the spiritual healing He offers to all. This passage highlights Jesus' compassion and power, demonstrating His role as the one who brings light and wholeness to a world affected by sin.
These readings remind us that while sin separates us from God, Jesus offers healing and restoration. In our daily lives, we are called to acknowledge our own vulnerabilities and trust in God's plan. Just as the deaf man was healed through faith, we too can experience spiritual renewal by turning to Jesus. Let us embrace this healing with open hearts, trusting in God's mercy and allowing His grace to transform us.