Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 5, 2023
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 the themes of trust, faith, and God's transformative grace.
The first reading from Genesis recounts the call of Abram, a man who, at the age of seventy-five, is summoned by God to leave behind the familiar—his land, his kindred, and his father’s house. Abram’s response is one of unwavering faith; he departs as the Lord instructs, trusting in the promise of a future he cannot yet see. This act of obedience is a testament to the enduring power of faith, reminding us that God often calls us to step into the unknown, trusting that His plan is greater than our own understanding.
The second reading from 2 Timothy encourages us to embrace the Gospel with courage and conviction. St. Paul reminds us that our faith is not rooted in our own works but in the gratuitous gift of God’s grace, which has been revealed in Christ Jesus. This passage invites us to reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace in our lives, a grace that calls us to live with purpose and hope, even in the face of challenges.
In the Gospel, we witness the Transfiguration of Jesus, a moment of profound revelation for Peter, James, and John. On the mountain, Jesus’ divine glory is unveiled, and the disciples are given a glimpse of His true nature. The presence of Moses and Elijah, representing the Law and the Prophets, underscores the fulfillment of God’s plan in Jesus. The voice from the cloud, affirming Jesus as the beloved Son, reminds us to listen to Him and to trust in His Word. This moment of transcendence is not an escape from the world but a source of strength to face the journey ahead, including the cross.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own journey of faith. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s promises, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Like the disciples, we are invited to listen to Jesus and to find our strength in His presence. And like St. Paul, we are reminded that our faith is a gift of grace, empowering us to live with courage and purpose.
As we navigate the challenges of our daily lives, may we draw inspiration from these readings. May we trust in God’s plan, embrace His grace, and listen to His voice, knowing that He is always with us, guiding us on our journey. Let us, like Abram, step out in faith; like the disciples, seek to listen to Jesus; and like St. Paul, embrace the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.