Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 7, 2023
First Reading: Tobit 3.1-6a, 7-10a, 11-13, 15b-17a
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Psalm 25
1Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul.2O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me.3Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause.4Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.5Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.6Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD: therefore will he teach sinners in the way.9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.10All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.11For thy name's sake, O LORD, pardon mine iniquity; for it is great.12What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.13His soul shall dwell at ease; and his seed shall inherit the earth.14The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.15Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.16Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.18Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.19Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.21Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.22Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
Gospel: Mark 12.18-27
18Then come unto him the Sadducees, which say there is no resurrection; and they asked him, saying,19Master, Moses wrote unto us, If a man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.20Now there were seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and dying left no seed.21And the second took her, and died, neither left he any seed: and the third likewise.22And the seven had her, and left no seed: last of all the woman died also.23In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be of them? for the seven had her to wife.24And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?25For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.26And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?27He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living: ye therefore do greatly err.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in navigating life's challenges with faith and trust in God. The first reading from Tobit presents us with Tobit and Sarah, both enduring immense suffering. Tobit, burdened by blindness and sorrow, and Sarah, grappling with the loss of seven husbands and ensuing shame, each turn to God in their darkest moments. Their prayers exemplify unwavering faith, seeking deliverance and mercy from God.
The Gospel reading from Mark features the Sadducees questioning Jesus about the resurrection. They pose a complex scenario involving seven brothers and a woman, inquiring whose wife she would be in the resurrection. Jesus' response transforms their earthly perspective, explaining that resurrection life transcends marriage, likening it to the angels. He underscores God's role as the God of the living, referencing Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thus correcting their misunderstanding.
These readings intertwine themes of suffering, faith, and trust in God. Tobit and Sarah's stories highlight perseverance amidst adversity, while Jesus' teaching reveals the eternal nature of life with God. Together, they remind us to trust God's plan, even in suffering, and to focus on spiritual growth. The moral lesson is clear: maintain faith, trust in God's mercy, and recognize that our true life is eternal. Let us pray fervently and trust in God's promises, even when immediate results are unseen.