Daily Readings - Sun Mar 05 2023
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 the themes of trust, faith, and God's transformative grace.
The first reading from Genesis recounts the call of Abram, a man who, at the age of seventy-five, is summoned by God to leave behind the familiar—his land, his kindred, and his father’s house. Abram’s response is one of unwavering faith; he departs as the Lord instructs, trusting in the promise of a future he cannot yet see. This act of obedience is a testament to the enduring power of faith, reminding us that God often calls us to step into the unknown, trusting that His plan is greater than our own understanding.
The second reading from 2 Timothy encourages us to embrace the Gospel with courage and conviction. St. Paul reminds us that our faith is not rooted in our own works but in the gratuitous gift of God’s grace, which has been revealed in Christ Jesus. This passage invites us to reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives, a grace that calls us to live with purpose and hope, even in the face of challenges.
In the Gospel, we witness the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment of profound revelation for Peter, James, and John. On the mountain, Jesus’ divine glory is unveiled, and the disciples are given a glimpse of His true nature. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, underscores the fulfillment of God’s plan in Jesus. The voice from the cloud, affirming Jesus as the beloved Son, reminds us to listen to Him and to trust in His Word. This moment of transcendence is not an escape from the world but a source of strength to face the journey ahead, including the cross.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own journey of faith. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Like the disciples, we are invited to listen to Jesus and to find our strength in His presence. And like St. Paul, we are reminded that our faith is a gift of grace, empowering us to live with courage and purpose.
As we navigate the challenges of our daily lives, may we draw inspiration from these readings. May we trust in God’s plan, embrace His grace, and listen to His voice, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us on our journey. Let us, like Abram, step out in faith; like the disciples, seek to listen to Jesus; and like St. Paul, embrace the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.