Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 16, 2025
First Reading: Genesis 15.5-12, 17-18
5And he brought him outside and said, "Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."6And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.7And he said to him, "I am the LORD who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess."8But he said, "O Lord GOD, how am I to know that I shall possess it?"9He said to him, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a female goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."10And he brought him all these, cut them in half, and laid each half over against the other. But he did not cut the birds in half.11And when birds of prey came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.12As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him.17When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, "To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates,
Psalm 27
1The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?2When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall.3Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.4One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.5For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.6And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD.7Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me!8You have said, "Seek my face." My heart says to you, "Your face, LORD, do I seek."9Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation!10For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in.11Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.12Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence.13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!14Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Second Reading: Philippians 3.20 – 4.1
Gospel: Luke 9.28b-36
28Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray.29And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white.30And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah,31who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.32Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.33And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah"--not knowing what he said.34As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.35And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!"36And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound moments of faith and revelation that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Genesis recounts God's covenant with Abram, where Abram's trust in God's promise is met with the establishment of a sacred covenant. This moment signifies the beginning of a divine relationship, emphasizing faith as a cornerstone of our connection with God.
The second reading from Philippians shifts our gaze to the future, urging us to embrace our heavenly citizenship and await Christ's return with hope. Paul reminds us that our true home is in heaven, where Christ will transform our bodies to reflect His glory. This passage invites us to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God's plan beyond our current circumstances.
The Gospel narrative of the Transfiguration in Luke offers a vivid display of Jesus' divine glory, accompanied by Moses and Elijah, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The Father's command to "listen to Him" underscores Jesus' central role in our faith. This event not only strengthens the disciples' faith but also serves as a reminder to us of the revelation of God's glory in moments of doubt or uncertainty.
These readings collectively call us to trust in God's promises, just as Abram did, and to live with hope in the face of uncertainty. They remind us that our ultimate hope lies in Christ's return and the transformation He will bring. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to keep our eyes fixed on heavenly things, trusting that God's plan, though sometimes unclear, is always rooted in His love and faithfulness. Let us, therefore, embrace the lessons of faith and hope from these readings, allowing them to guide us as we navigate our own journeys of trust and discipleship.