Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 20, 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of God’s word and the simplicity of prayer. In the first reading from Isaiah, we hear a beautiful analogy: just as rain and snow nourish the earth and bring forth life, so too does God’s word accomplish its purpose in the world. It is a reminder that God’s word is not empty or without effect; it brings life, hope, and transformation to those who receive it. This passage was written during a time of hope for the people of Israel, promising them that even in their darkest moments, God’s word would bring renewal and restoration.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about prayer. He warns against the tendency to use many words, as if the quantity of our prayers might impress God. Instead, He offers the Lord’s Prayer as a model of simplicity and depth. This prayer, taught by Jesus, is not just a formula to recite but a way of life. It calls us to trust in God’s providence, to seek His will, and to live with mercy and forgiveness. Forgiveness, in particular, is emphasized as a condition for receiving God’s forgiveness. This teaching challenges us to examine our relationships and our willingness to let go of grudges and resentments.
Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in trust and simplicity. Just as God’s word is effective and life-giving, our prayers should be heartfelt and sincere. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to approach God with humility and confidence, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to live out these teachings: to trust in God’s word, to pray with simplicity, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. In doing so, we align our lives with God’s will and open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace.