Daily Readings - Sat Feb 18 2023
Hebrews
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.
Mark
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.