Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 23, 2019
First Reading: Hebrews 11.1-7
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.2For by it the elders obtained a good report.3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
Psalm 145
1I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.2Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.3Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.4One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.5I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.6And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.7They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.9The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.10All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.11They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;12To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.13Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.15The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.16Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.19He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.20The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.21My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.
Gospel: Mark 9.2-13
2And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them.3And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them.4And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.5And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.6For he wist not what to say; for they were sore afraid.7And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.8And suddenly, when they had looked round about, they saw no man any more, save Jesus only with themselves.9And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.10And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.11And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?12And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.13But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the essence of faith and its transformative power. The first reading from Hebrews 11 defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. Through examples like Abel, Enoch, and Noah, we see faith in action—each trusting in God's promises despite the unknown. This chapter, often called the "Hall of Faith," highlights how these individuals' faith led to remarkable outcomes, shaping the world and their relationship with God.
The Gospel from Mark 9 recounts the Transfiguration, a pivotal moment where Jesus' divine nature is revealed to Peter, James, and John. Appearing with Elijah and Moses, Jesus embodies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. The voice from the cloud affirms Jesus as the beloved Son, urging the disciples to listen to Him. This event strengthens their faith as they prepare for the trials ahead, illustrating how faith reveals God's presence and plan.
Both readings emphasize faith's role in navigating life's uncertainties. Just as the figures in Hebrews trusted God's promises and the disciples found strength in the Transfiguration, we too can rely on faith to guide us. In our daily lives, faith helps us trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear. It encourages us to act with courage and hope, knowing that God's promises are steadfast. Let us embrace faith, allowing it to transform our lives and deepen our trust in God's providence.