Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 12, 2018
First Reading: Isaiah 65.17-21
17For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.18But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.19And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.20There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.21And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.
Psalm 30
1I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.2O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.3O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.4Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.5For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.6And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.7LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.8I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication.9What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?10Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper.11Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;12To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Gospel: John 4.43-54
43Now after two days he departed thence, and went into Galilee.44For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.45Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.46So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.47When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.48Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.49The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.50Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth. And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken unto him, and he went his way.51And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, saying, Thy son liveth.52Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.53So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.54This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, faith, and trust in God's plan. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where sorrow and pain are erased, replaced by joy and eternal life. This vision is a beacon of hope for the Israelites, promising a utopian future after their trials. The Gospel from John tells the story of a royal official who, desperate for his son's healing, trusts in Jesus' word despite the distance and uncertainty. This miracle not only showcases Jesus' divine authority but also highlights the transformative power of faith.
Both readings beautifully intertwine, emphasizing the theme of trust in God's promises. Isaiah's vision calls us to trust in God's future plan, even when our current circumstances are challenging. Similarly, the royal official's story illustrates the immediate rewards of trusting Jesus' word, even when faced with doubt. These narratives remind us that faith is not about seeing immediate results but about believing in God's goodness and timing.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace hope and trust. When we face difficulties, we can find comfort in knowing that God is weaving a greater plan. Like the royal official, we are called to trust God's word, even when the outcome is uncertain. Let us hold onto this hope and faith, allowing them to guide us through life's challenges, knowing that God's promises are always for our good. The moral lesson here is clear: faith and trust in God's plan lead us to experience His grace and salvation.