Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 20, 2020
First Reading: James 2.1-9
1My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism.2Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.3If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet,"4have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?5Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?6But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court?7Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?8If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right.9But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
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: Mark 8.27-33
27Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?"28They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets."29"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ. "30Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.31He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.33But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on faith, humility, and discipleship. The first reading from James warns against favoritism, urging us to treat the poor with dignity, as God has chosen them to be rich in faith. James reminds us that true faith is demonstrated through actions, particularly in how we love and respect all people, regardless of their status. The Gospel from Mark presents a pivotal moment where Jesus reveals his impending suffering and resurrection. Peter's resistance highlights the human struggle to accept God's plan, but Jesus emphasizes the necessity of embracing the cross, teaching us that true discipleship requires self-denial and trust in divine providence.
Both readings intertwine themes of faith and discipleship, challenging us to live out our beliefs authentically. James calls us to recognize God's presence in the marginalized, while Mark's Gospel invites us to embrace the cross, understanding that our struggles contribute to a greater purpose. Together, they remind us that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a commitment to humility and service.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to reflect on how we treat others and our willingness to carry our own crosses. Let us strive to love without favoritism and trust in God's plan, even when it is difficult. May we embrace humility and faith, recognizing that our struggles can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper union with Christ.