Daily Catholic Mass Readings for April 5, 2019
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of righteousness, faith, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes the wicked plotting against the just man, questioning his claims of closeness to God and resolving to test him through suffering and death. The second reading from John’s Gospel shows Jesus continuing his mission despite the growing threat against his life, teaching openly in the temple and affirming his divine origin. Both readings highlight the tension between those who walk in the light of truth and those who are blinded by malice and unbelief.
The context of these readings is deeply rooted in the struggle between good and evil. In Wisdom, the just man represents the persecuted righteous, whose very existence challenges the wicked to confront their own sinfulness. Similarly, in John’s Gospel, Jesus embodies the truth of God’s love and justice, which provokes both admiration and hostility. The readings remind us that living a life of integrity and faith often invites opposition, as it challenges others to confront their own shortcomings. Yet, both the just man and Jesus trust in God’s providence, knowing that their ultimate vindication lies not in human approval but in God’s plan.
These readings call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like the just man in Wisdom, we are called to stand firm in our commitment to God, even when it means facing ridicule or adversity. Like Jesus, we are invited to trust in God’s timing and purposes, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or fraught with danger. The moral lesson here is clear: true wisdom and strength come not from avoiding challenges but from embracing them with faith, knowing that God is always at work, even in the darkest moments. Let us strive to live with such courage and trust, allowing the light of God’s truth to guide us through the trials of our own lives.