Daily Readings - Sat Feb 18 2023
Hebrews
1Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.2This is what the ancients were commended for.3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.5By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
Mark
2After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them.3His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.4And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus.5Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters--one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."6(He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)7Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"8Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus.9As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.10They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what "rising from the dead" meant.11And they asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"12Jesus replied, "To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected?13But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons about faith, trust, and the divine plan. The first reading from Hebrews reminds us that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things unseen. The examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah illustrate how faith leads to actions that please God and bring His justice into the world. These ancient figures trusted in God’s promises, even when the future was uncertain, and their faith was rewarded. The reading challenges us to reflect on our own faith: do we trust in God’s existence and His plan, even when we cannot see the full picture?
The Gospel from Mark presents the Transfiguration, a moment of profound revelation for Peter, James, and John. Jesus, appearing in glory alongside Moses and Elijah, is affirmed by the Father’s voice as the beloved Son. This event is a turning point for the disciples, offering them a glimpse of Jesus’ divine identity and strengthening their faith before the trials ahead. Peter’s impulsive suggestion to build tabernacles reveals his limited understanding, but the Father’s command to “listen to him” reminds us all to trust in Jesus’ words and plan. The Transfiguration also connects to the broader story of salvation, as Elijah’s appearance hints at the fulfillment of prophecy and the ultimate triumph of God’s plan.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like the figures in Hebrews, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when the path ahead is unclear. Like the disciples, we must learn to listen to Jesus and follow His lead, even when it challenges our assumptions. In a world filled with uncertainty, faith and trust in God’s plan are our anchors. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? How can I listen more attentively to His voice in my life? May we, like the saints of old, walk by faith and not by sight, knowing that God’s justice and love will ultimately prevail.