Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 15, 2023
First Reading: Genesis 8.6-13, 20-22
6And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made:7And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.8Also he sent forth a dove from him, to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground;9But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned unto him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth: then he put forth his hand, and took her, and pulled her in unto him into the ark.10And he stayed yet other seven days; and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark;11And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth was an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.12And he stayed yet other seven days; and sent forth the dove; which returned not again unto him any more.13And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth: and Noah removed the covering of the ark, and looked, and, behold, the face of the ground was dry.20And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.21And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.22While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
Psalm 116
1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:11I said in my haste, All men are liars.12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.14I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.16O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.18I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,19In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Mark 8.22-26
22And he cometh to Bethsaida; and they bring a blind man unto him, and besought him to touch him.23And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town; and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands upon him, he asked him if he saw ought.24And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking.25After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.26And he sent him away to his house, saying, Neither go into the town, nor tell it to any in the town.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter stories of transformation and renewal, each offering insights into God's grace and our response to it. The first reading from Genesis describes the aftermath of the flood, where Noah releases a raven and a dove to ascertain if the earth is habitable again. The dove's return with an olive branch signifies peace and new life, leading Noah to build an altar in gratitude. This act marks the beginning of a covenant between God and humanity, a promise of mercy and renewal.
The Gospel from Mark narrates the healing of a blind man in Bethsaida. Jesus' method is unusual—using spit and a gradual process to restore sight. This miracle underscores Jesus' divine power and His approach to healing, which often involves patience and trust. The man's initial partial vision, followed by complete clarity, mirrors our own spiritual journeys, where understanding and faith develop over time.
Both stories highlight themes of trust and transformation. Noah's patience and faith in God's plan, despite the uncertainty of the flood's aftermath, teach us to trust in divine providence. The blind man's healing reminds us that spiritual enlightenment is a process requiring openness and perseverance. In our lives, we may face periods of uncertainty or darkness, but these readings assure us that God is always present, offering renewal and hope. Let us embrace the journey, trusting in God's plan and remaining open to His transformative grace.