Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 16, 2018
First Reading: Wisdom 2.1a, 12-22
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Psalm 34
1I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.2My soul will boast in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.3Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together.4I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.5Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.6This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.7The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.8Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.9Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.10The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.11Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.12Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,13keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.15The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry;16the face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.17The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.18The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.19A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;20he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.21Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.22The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.
Gospel: John 7.1-2, 10, 25-30
1After this, Jesus went around in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were waiting to take his life.2But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near,10However, after his brothers had left for the Feast, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.25At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, "Isn't this the man they are trying to kill?26Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Christ?27But we know where this man is from; when the Christ comes, no one will know where he is from."28Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, "Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him,29but I know him because I am from him and he sent me."30At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two narratives that explore the themes of righteousness, doubt, and divine providence. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom describes the wicked plotting against a just man, questioning his claims of being God's son and planning to test his faith. The Gospel from John depicts Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles, where he speaks openly despite the authorities seeking to kill him. The people are divided, some questioning his identity while others recognize him, yet he continues to teach, trusting in God's plan.
The context of these readings reveals the tension between faith and skepticism. The Book of Wisdom, written to encourage faith amidst persecution, highlights the folly of the wicked who fail to see God's presence in the just. In John's Gospel, the setting is a time of growing opposition to Jesus, illustrating the confusion and doubt among the people about his true identity. Both passages reflect the universal struggle between good and evil, with the righteous facing trials while trusting in God's deliverance.
These readings relate to each other through the common thread of opposition to a righteous figure. The just man in Wisdom and Jesus in John both face skepticism and hostility. Their stories remind us that standing up for our faith can lead to isolation and misunderstanding. Yet, they encourage us to remain steadfast, trusting in God's plan and presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we may face similar challenges, feeling isolated or misunderstood when standing up for our beliefs. These readings remind us to trust in God's providence, even when surrounded by doubt or adversity. They teach us that our true identity and strength come from God, and we can find comfort in His presence, knowing He will guide us through trials.
The moral lesson here is one of faith and perseverance. Both the just man and Jesus exemplify unwavering commitment to their divine mission, trusting in God's deliverance. They show us that true wisdom and strength come from God, and we can find peace in His presence, even amidst adversity. Let us draw inspiration from these narratives, standing firm in our faith and trusting in God's plan for our lives.