Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 5, 2024
First Reading: Daniel 3.25, 34-43
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: Matthew 18.21-35
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.25But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.28But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons on mercy, forgiveness, and the profound relationship between receiving and giving. The first reading from Daniel presents Azariah’s prayer, a heartfelt plea for mercy amidst suffering. Acknowledging the people’s sins and their scattered state without a leader or temple, Azariah humbly asks for forgiveness, not based on their worthiness, but on God’s covenant with their ancestors. His prayer emphasizes contrition and humility, illustrating that true sacrifice is a contrite heart.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this with Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness. Peter’s question about forgiving a brother seven times is met with Jesus’ call to forgive seventy-seven times, highlighting the boundless nature of forgiveness. The parable of the unforgiving servant underscores this message: a servant forgiven a large debt refuses to forgive a smaller one, leading to condemnation. Jesus concludes that we must forgive from the heart, just as God forgives us.
Both readings stress the necessity of extending God’s mercy to others. In Daniel, the people, though sinful, seek mercy through humble prayer. In Matthew, the servant’s failure to forgive leads to condemnation, illustrating that receiving God’s forgiveness obligates us to forgive others. This teaches us to approach life with a contrite heart, acknowledging our sins, and generously extending forgiveness, transforming our relationships and communities.
The moral lesson is clear: forgiveness is not optional but a fundamental aspect of our faith. Rooted in humility and gratitude for God’s mercy, we must live out the mercy we’ve received. Let us embrace this call, recognizing our need for forgiveness and extending it to others, thereby deepening our faith and enriching our lives.