Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 20, 2018
First Reading: Isaiah 55.10-11
10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Psalm 34
1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.2My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.3O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.5They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.6This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.8O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.9O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.10The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing.11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good?13Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.14Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.20He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.21Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate.22The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
Gospel: Matthew 6.7-15
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread.12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the power of God's word and the simplicity of prayer. The first reading from Isaiah reminds us that just as rain and snow bring life to the earth, God's word is effective and accomplishes its purpose. It does not return empty but brings forth life and nourishment. This passage emphasizes the reliability and fruitfulness of God's word in our lives. The Gospel from Matthew offers us the Lord's Prayer, a model of simplicity and depth. Jesus teaches us that prayer is not about many words but about sincerity and trust in God, who already knows our needs. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the alignment of our will with God's will.
The context of Isaiah's prophecy is one of hope and restoration. Isaiah is addressing a people who have experienced exile and are longing for renewal. His words assure them that God's word is trustworthy and will bring about new life. In Matthew, Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray in a way that reflects a deep relationship with God as Father. He warns against the superficiality of merely reciting words, as seen in the practices of the pagans, and instead calls for authenticity and humility in prayer.
Both readings highlight the theme of trust in God's providence. Isaiah shows us that God's word is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Matthew teaches us that prayer is not about convincing God but about surrendering to His will and seeking His kingdom. These readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith and trust, not in our own efforts or words.
In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by trusting in God's plan and seeking to align our will with His. We are called to pray with sincerity, not relying on empty words but on the assurance that God hears us. Forgiveness, as emphasized in the Lord's Prayer, is also a key aspect of living out our faith. Let us reflect on whether our prayers are heartfelt and whether we are living in accordance with God's will. May we find comfort in the knowledge that God's word is always at work, even in the quiet and unseen moments of our lives.