Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 23, 2021
First Reading: Isaiah 55.10-11
10For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:11So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
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: Matthew 6.7-15
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread.12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the power and purpose of God’s word and the call to live in harmony with His will. The first reading from Isaiah uses the imagery of rain and snow to illustrate how God’s word is sent forth to accomplish His purposes. Just as water nourishes the earth and brings forth life, so too does God’s word bring forth fruitfulness in those who receive it. This passage speaks to the Israelites in exile, offering them hope that despite their current struggles, God’s word will not return empty but will achieve its intended purpose of restoring and renewing His people.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to prayer and forgiveness. Jesus teaches us how to pray, not with empty repetition like the pagans, but with simplicity and trust in God’s providence. The Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus gives us, is a model of humility and dependence on God. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s will above our own and of forgiveness as a cornerstone of our relationship with God and with others. Jesus makes it clear that our willingness to forgive others is directly tied to God’s forgiveness of us, highlighting the reciprocal nature of love and mercy.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and with one another. Isaiah reminds us that God’s word is alive and active, shaping us and calling us to fruitfulness. Matthew challenges us to approach prayer with authenticity and to embrace forgiveness as a way of life. As we go about our daily lives, let us trust in the power of God’s word to guide and transform us. Let us also strive to forgive others as God forgives us, creating spaces of grace and reconciliation in our families, communities, and world. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and allow His kingdom to take root in our hearts and in the world around us.