Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 18, 2023
First Reading: Hebrews 11.1-7
1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.2For by it the people of old received their commendation.3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.4By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.5By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.6And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.7By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Psalm 145
1I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever.2Every day I will bless you and praise your name forever and ever.3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.4One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.5On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.6They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.7They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.8The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.10All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD, and all your saints shall bless you!11They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom and tell of your power,12to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.13Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.[The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.]14The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.15The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season.16You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.17The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works.18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.19He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them.20The LORD preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.21My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.
Gospel: Mark 9.2-13
2And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,3and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.4And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.5And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."6For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.7And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Son; listen to him."8And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.9And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.10So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.11And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?"12And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?13But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, trust, and the divine plan. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. The examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah illustrate how faith leads to actions that please God and bring His justice into the world. These ancient figures trusted in God’s promises, even when the future was uncertain, and their faith was rewarded. The reading challenges us to reflect on our own faith: do we trust in God’s existence and His plan, even when we cannot see the full picture?
The Gospel from Mark presents the Transfiguration, a moment of profound revelation for Peter, James, and John. Jesus, appearing in glory alongside Moses and Elijah, is affirmed by the Father’s voice as the beloved Son. This event is a turning point for the disciples, offering them a glimpse of Jesus’ divine identity and strengthening their faith before the trials ahead. Peter’s impulsive suggestion to build tabernacles reveals his limited understanding, but the Father’s command to “listen to him” reminds us all to trust in Jesus’ words and plan. The Transfiguration also connects to the broader story of salvation, as Elijah’s appearance hints at the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like the figures in Hebrews, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. Like the disciples, we must learn to listen to Jesus and follow His lead, even when it challenges our assumptions. In a world filled with uncertainty, faith and trust in God’s plan are our anchors. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? How can I listen more attentively to His voice in my life? May we, like the saints of old, walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that God’s justice and love will ultimately prevail.