Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 16, 2018
First Reading: Wisdom 2.1a, 12-22
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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: John 7.1-2, 10, 25-30
1After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him.2Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.10But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.25Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill?26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ?27Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is.28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.29But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me.30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two narratives that explore the themes of righteousness, doubt, and divine providence. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes the wicked plotting against a just man, questioning his claims of being God's son and planning to test his faith. The Gospel from John depicts Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, where he speaks openly despite the authorities seeking to kill him. The people are divided, some questioning his identity while others recognize him, yet he continues to teach, trusting in God's plan.
The context of these readings reveals the tension between faith and skepticism. The Book of Wisdom, written to encourage faith amidst persecution, highlights the folly of the wicked who fail to see God's presence in the just. In John's Gospel, the setting is a time of growing opposition to Jesus, illustrating the confusion and doubt among the people about his true identity. Both passages reflect the universal struggle between good and evil, with the righteous facing trials while trusting in God's deliverance.
These readings relate to each other through the common thread of opposition to a righteous figure. The just man in Wisdom and Jesus in John both face skepticism and hostility. Their stories remind us that standing up for our faith can lead to isolation and misunderstanding. Yet, they encourage us to remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan and presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we may face similar challenges, feeling isolated or misunderstood when standing up for our beliefs. These readings remind us to trust in God's providence, even when surrounded by doubt or adversity. They teach us that our true identity and strength come from God, and we can find comfort in His presence, knowing He will guide us through trials.
The moral lesson here is one of faith and perseverance. Both the just man and Jesus exemplify unwavering commitment to their divine mission, trusting in God's deliverance. They show us that true wisdom and strength come from God, and we can find peace in His presence, even amidst adversity. Let us draw inspiration from these narratives, standing firm in our faith and trusting in God's plan for our lives.