Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 8, 2020
First Reading: Genesis 12.1-4
1The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you.2"I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing.3I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."4So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran.
Psalm 33
1Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.2Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.3Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.4For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.5The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.7He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.9For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.10The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples.11But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.13From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind;14from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth-15he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.16No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.17A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.18But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,19to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine.20We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.21In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.22May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.
Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1.8b-10
8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,9who has saved us and called us to a holy life--not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,10but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
Gospel: Matthew 17.1-9
1After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.2There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.3Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.4Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."5While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"6When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.7But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up," he said. "Don't be afraid."8When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, trust, and the revelation of God's divine plan. The first reading from Genesis recounts Abram's pivotal moment of faith, where he is called by God to leave his homeland at the age of 75. This call signifies the beginning of a covenant that will shape the course of salvation history. Abram's trust in God, despite the unknown, exemplifies the kind of faith that underpins our relationship with the divine.
The second reading from 2 Timothy urges us to embrace the Gospel without shame, trusting in God's grace rather than our own works. It reminds us that our salvation is a gift from God, revealed through Jesus Christ, who has conquered death and brought eternal life. This passage encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, knowing that they are part of a larger narrative of God's grace.
The Gospel reading, the Transfiguration of Jesus, offers a profound revelation of Jesus' divinity. On the mountain, Peter, James, and John witness Jesus' glory, alongside Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets. God's voice commands them to listen to Jesus, affirming Him as the beloved Son. This moment strengthens the disciples' faith, preparing them for the trials ahead and pointing to Jesus as the fulfillment of all that has been promised.
These readings weave together themes of trust, grace, and revelation. Abram's journey, the encouragement in Timothy, and the Transfiguration all highlight the importance of trusting in God's plan. In our daily lives, we are called to emulate Abram's faith, stepping into the unknown with confidence in God's promises. We are to stand firm in the Gospel, knowing that our salvation is a gift of grace. Let us see Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, guiding us to trust in His plan and live courageously in faith. May we, like the disciples, rise with courage, trusting that God's plan is greater than our own, and may we always listen to the voice of Jesus, our beloved Lord.