Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 9, 2020
First Reading: Daniel 9.3, 4b-10
3So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.4I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands,5we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws.6We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.7"Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame-the men of Judah and people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you.8O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you.9The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;10we have not obeyed the LORD our God or kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets.
Psalm 79
1O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple, they have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.2They have given the dead bodies of your servants as food to the birds of the air, the flesh of your saints to the beasts of the earth.3They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.4We are objects of reproach to our neighbors, of scorn and derision to those around us.5How long, O LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire?6Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name;7for they have devoured Jacob and destroyed his homeland.8Do not hold against us the sins of the fathers; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need.9Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name; deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.10Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Before our eyes, make known among the nations that you avenge the outpoured blood of your servants.11May the groans of the prisoners come before you; by the strength of your arm preserve those condemned to die.12Pay back into the laps of our neighbors seven times the reproach they have hurled at you, O Lord.13Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
Gospel: Luke 6.36-38
36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of repentance, mercy, and the call to live as children of a merciful God. In the first reading from Daniel, we hear a heartfelt prayer of confession and contrition. Daniel humbly acknowledges the sins of his people, taking responsibility not only for their failures but also for his own. He recalls God’s covenant and the prophets’ warnings, recognizing that justice belongs to God, while confusion and shame belong to those who have turned away. This passage reminds us that true repentance involves acknowledging our sins, taking responsibility, and trusting in God’s mercy and faithfulness.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of living out God’s mercy in our daily lives. He instructs us not to judge or condemn others, but instead to forgive and give generously. Jesus emphasizes that the measure we use to treat others will be the same measure used to treat us. This teaching challenges us to examine our attitudes and actions toward those around us. Are we quick to judge, or do we seek to understand and forgive? Do we respond to others with kindness and generosity, reflecting the mercy of our heavenly Father?
Both readings remind us that our relationship with God is deeply connected to our relationships with others. Daniel’s prayer shows us the importance of humility and repentance, while Jesus’ teaching calls us to live out mercy and compassion. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a child of a merciful God? Do my words and actions reflect the forgiveness and kindness I have received from Him? May we strive to be instruments of God’s mercy, trusting that His justice and love will guide us on the path of righteousness.