Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 7, 2025
First Reading: Isaiah 58.1-9a
1"Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet. Declare to my people their rebellion and to the house of Jacob their sins.2For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know my ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God. They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.3'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?'"Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers.4Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high.5Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for a man to humble himself? Is it only for bowing one's head like a reed and for lying on sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD?6"Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?7Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?8Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.9Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. "If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
Psalm 51
1Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.5Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.6Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.7Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.8Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.9Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.10Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.12Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.13Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.14Save me from bloodguilt, O God, the God who saves me, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.15O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.16You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.18In your good pleasure make Zion prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.19Then there will be righteous sacrifices, whole burnt offerings to delight you; then bulls will be offered on your altar.
Gospel: Matthew 9.14-15
Sermon
The readings from Isaiah and Matthew offer profound insights into the nature of fasting and spiritual practice. Isaiah emphasizes that true fasting extends beyond mere abstinence from food, instead requiring a commitment to justice and compassion. He calls for actions that reflect a genuine connection to God, such as feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. This form of fasting leads to spiritual renewal and healing, as it aligns with God's desire for justice and mercy.
In Matthew, Jesus shifts the focus to the context of fasting. He compares his presence to that of a groom, indicating that his disciples should not fast while he is with them, as it is a time of joy and celebration. However, when he is taken away, fasting will become appropriate as an act of mourning and spiritual preparation. This highlights the importance of understanding the timing and spirit behind fasting, ensuring it is a heartfelt response rather than a mere ritual.
Together, these readings teach us that spiritual practices like fasting must be authentic and rooted in love and service. In our daily lives, we should examine our motivations and ensure our actions reflect a commitment to justice and compassion. Whether in times of celebration or fasting, our focus should remain on deepening our relationship with God and serving others, trusting in His presence and timing. The moral lesson is clear: our spiritual practices should be genuine, leading us to greater love and service, rather than being empty rituals.