Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 24, 2023
First Reading: Wisdom 2.1a, 12-22
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Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad.3Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!4I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.8Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!9Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!10The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?13Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.14Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears toward their cry.16The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.19Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.20He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.21Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
Gospel: John 7.1-2, 10, 25-30
1After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.2Now the Jews' Feast of Booths was at hand.10But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private.25Some of the people of Jerusalem therefore said, "Is not this the man whom they seek to kill?26And here he is, speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Can it be that the authorities really know that this is the Christ?27But we know where this man comes from, and when the Christ appears, no one will know where he comes from."28So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, "You know me, and you know where I come from? But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know.29I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me."30So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of righteousness and the challenges it often faces. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes the persecution of a just man, who is mocked and tested by the wicked. These individuals question his claims of being close to God and decide to torment him to see if his faith holds true. The second reading from the Gospel of John presents Jesus, who, despite facing similar hostility, continues his mission with courage and trust in God’s plan.
Both readings share a common theme: the righteous individual standing firm against adversity. The Book of Wisdom sets the stage by illustrating the mindset of those who oppose the just, driven by malice and a lack of understanding of God’s ways. In contrast, the Gospel shows Jesus embodying this righteousness, teaching openly and affirming his divine mission even as authorities seek to apprehend him. These narratives remind us that standing up for what is right can lead to opposition, but it is in these moments that our faith is tested and refined.
In our daily lives, we may face similar challenges—situations where our values or beliefs are questioned or opposed. The readings encourage us to trust in God’s providence, just as Jesus did. When we encounter adversity, we are called to persevere, knowing that our faith is a source of strength. Let us reflect on how we can stand firm in our commitment to justice and love, even when it is difficult. May we, like the just man and Jesus, trust in God’s plan and allow our faith to guide us through life’s trials.