Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 18, 2025
First Reading: Genesis 6.5-8; 7.1-5, 10
5The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.6The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain.7So the LORD said, "I will wipe mankind, whom I have created, from the face of the earth-men and animals, and creatures that move along the ground, and birds of the air-for I am grieved that I have made them."8But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.
1The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation.2Take with you seven of every kind of clean animal, a male and its mate, and two of every kind of unclean animal, a male and its mate,3and also seven of every kind of bird, male and female, to keep their various kinds alive throughout the earth.4Seven days from now I will send rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights, and I will wipe from the face of the earth every living creature I have made."5And Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.10And after the seven days the floodwaters came on the earth.
Psalm 29
1Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.2Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.3The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters.4The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.6He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox.7The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning.8The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh.9The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, "Glory!"10The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever.11The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Gospel: Mark 8.14-21
14The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat.15"Be careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod."16They discussed this with one another and said, "It is because we have no bread."17Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened?18Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don't you remember?19When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?Twelve," they replied.20"And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven."21He said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith and trust in God. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Noah, a man who, amidst a world consumed by wickedness, found grace in the eyes of God. Noah's obedience to God's command to build the ark, despite the impending judgment, highlights his unwavering faith. This story serves as a reminder of God's justice and mercy, where salvation is offered to those who trust in Him.
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus cautions His disciples against the "leaven of the Pharisees and Herod," symbolizing the corrupting influence of hypocrisy and worldly power. When the disciples worry about their lack of bread, Jesus reminds them of the miracles where He fed thousands, emphasizing that their focus should be on spiritual nourishment rather than material concerns. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and not be swayed by earthly anxieties.
These readings connect through the theme of trust and faith. Noah's story shows salvation through obedience, while Jesus' lesson urges us to seek spiritual fulfillment. In our daily lives, we are called to trust God, especially in uncertain times, remembering that true security lies in Him. Like Noah, our faith can lead us to safety, and like the disciples, we should focus on spiritual growth over material needs. Let us reflect on cultivating trust in God, knowing His grace and provision are always present.