Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 7, 2018
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4.1, 5-9
1Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.5Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.6Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.7For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?8And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;
Psalm 147
1Praise ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.2The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.3He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.4He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names.5Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.6The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.7Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:8Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.9He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.10He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man.11The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.12Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem; praise thy God, O Zion.13For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee.14He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat.15He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.16He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.17He casteth forth his ice like morsels: who can stand before his cold?18He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.19He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.20He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 5.17-19
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the enduring importance of God’s law and its role in guiding us toward a life of faithfulness and holiness. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the precepts and judgments that God has given them, emphasizing that these teachings are not just rules but a way of life. He urges them to observe and fulfill these laws carefully, not only for their own benefit but also as a witness to the wisdom and closeness of God. Moses also stresses the importance of passing these teachings down to future generations, ensuring that the people of God will always remember the divine presence in their lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus affirms the importance of the law, declaring that he has not come to abolish it but to fulfill it. He emphasizes that every part of the law, down to the smallest detail, remains essential until all things are accomplished. Jesus teaches that true greatness in the kingdom of heaven comes not from dismissing the commandments but from living them out and teaching others to do the same. This passage reminds us that the law is not a burden but a gift, a way to live in harmony with God’s will and to grow in holiness.
Together, these readings challenge us to approach God’s law with reverence and gratitude. They remind us that the commandments are not just ancient rules but a living guide for our daily lives. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects God’s love and truth? Am I teaching others, by my words and actions, the importance of following Christ? Let us strive to be faithful stewards of the teachings we have received, trusting that in doing so, we will find wisdom, peace, and greatness in God’s eyes.