Daily Catholic Mass Readings for January 29, 2023
First Reading: Zephaniah 2.3; 3.12-13
3Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger.
Psalm 146
1Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul.2I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.3Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.4When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.5Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,6the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them- the LORD, who remains faithful forever.7He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free,8the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous.9The LORD watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.10The LORD reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the LORD.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1.26-31
26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are,29so that no one may boast before him.30It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God--that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.31Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."
Gospel: Matthew 5.1-12
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,2and he began to teach them saying:3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound values of humility and trust in God. The prophet Zephaniah urges us to seek the Lord with meekness and faith, promising rest and security for those who remain faithful. This message is echoed in the Beatitudes from Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus blesses the meek, the poor in spirit, and those who endure persecution for justice. These teachings highlight that true blessedness comes not from worldly strength but from a humble and trusting heart.
The second reading from Corinthians reinforces this theme by emphasizing God's preference for the weak and humble. Paul reminds us that our glory should be in the Lord, not in our own strengths. This aligns with Jesus' message, showing that God's ways are often counterintuitive to the world's standards. Together, these readings invite us to embrace humility and trust in God's plan, recognizing that our true strength comes from Him.
In our daily lives, let us strive to embody these values. May we find joy in humility, comfort in mourning, and peace in persecution. Let us trust in God's judgment and seek His will, knowing that our reward lies in heaven. As we navigate life's challenges, may we remember that true greatness is found in meekness and mercy, reflecting the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.