Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 18, 2025
First Reading: Genesis 6.5-8; 7.1-5, 10
5The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.6And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.7So the LORD said, "I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them."8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
1Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.2Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate, and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate,3and seven pairs of the birds of the heavens also, male and female, to keep their offspring alive on the face of all the earth.4For in seven days I will send rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living thing that I have made I will blot out from the face of the ground."5And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.10And after seven days the waters of the flood came upon the earth.
Psalm 29
1Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.2Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.3The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD, over many waters.4The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty.5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.6He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf, and Sirion like a young wild ox.7The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.8The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.9The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, "Glory!"10The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.11May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Gospel: Mark 8.14-21
14Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.15And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."16And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.17And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?18Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve."20"And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven."21And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith and trust in God. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Noah, a man who, amidst a world consumed by wickedness, found grace in the eyes of God. Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark, despite the impending judgment, highlights his unwavering faith. This story serves as a reminder of God's justice and mercy, where salvation is offered to those who trust in Him.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus cautions His disciples against the "leaven of the Pharisees and Herod," symbolizing the corrupting influence of hypocrisy and worldly power. When the disciples worry about their lack of bread, Jesus reminds them of the miracles where He fed thousands, emphasizing that their focus should be on spiritual nourishment rather than material concerns. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and not be swayed by earthly anxieties.
These readings connect through the theme of trust and faith. Noah's story shows salvation through obedience, while Jesus' lesson urges us to seek spiritual fulfillment. In our daily lives, we are called to trust God, especially in uncertain times, remembering that true security lies in Him. Like Noah, our faith can lead us to safety, and like the disciples, we should focus on spiritual growth over material needs. Let us reflect on cultivating trust in God, knowing His grace and provision are always present.