Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 20, 2024
First Reading: Isaiah 55.10-11
10"For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,11so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
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: Matthew 6.7-15
7"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread,12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.14For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God’s word and the simplicity of prayer. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a beautiful analogy: just as rain and snow nourish the earth and bring forth life, so too does God’s word accomplish its purpose in the world. It is a reminder that God’s word is not empty or without effect; it brings life, hope, and transformation to those who receive it. This passage was written during a time of hope for the people of Israel, promising them that even in their darkest moments, God’s word would bring renewal and restoration.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about prayer. He warns against the tendency to use many words, as if the quantity of our prayers might impress God. Instead, He offers the Lord’s Prayer as a model of simplicity and depth. This prayer, taught by Jesus, is not just a formula to recite but a way of life. It calls us to trust in God’s providence, to seek His will, and to live with mercy and forgiveness. Forgiveness, in particular, is emphasized as a condition for receiving God’s forgiveness. This teaching challenges us to examine our relationships and our willingness to let go of grudges and resentments.
Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in trust and simplicity. Just as God’s word is effective and life-giving, our prayers should be heartfelt and sincere. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to approach God with humility and confidence, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to live out these teachings: to trust in God’s word, to pray with simplicity, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. In doing so, we align our lives with God’s will and open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace.