Daily Readings for February 20, 2018

1ST READING

God’s Word is powerful and those who believe in the Gospel can tap into this storehouse of power. Isaiah reminds us today that the prophecies and promises of the Lord will eventually be fulfilled but not always in the way we expect it to be. God has a way of turning our expectations upside down as He works in us. Let us follow where the Spirit leads and allow His will to unfold over time.

Isaiah 55:10-11

10 Thus says the Lord: Just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows and bread to him who eats, 11 so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it.

P S A L M

Psalm 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, 18-19

R: From all their distress God rescues the just.

3 [4] Glorify the Lord with me, let us together extol his name. 4 [5] I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. (R) 5 [6] Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. 6 [7] When the poor one called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him. (R) 15 [16] The Lord has eyes for the just, and ears for their cry. 16 [17] The Lord confronts the evildoers, to destroy remembrance of them from the earth. (R) 17 [18] When the just cry out, the Lord hears them, and from all their distress he rescues them. 18 [19] The Lord is close to the broken-hearted; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves. (R)

GOSPEL

Prayer is part of our journey as Jesus’ followers. Through prayer, we strengthen our relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Prayer is the channel by which we maintain our relationships. Let us commit to pray daily and trust that God will be with us and listen to our prayers.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

One does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

Matthew 6:7-15

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you as him. 9 “This is how you are to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be thy name, 10 thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as in heaven.  11 Give us today our daily bread; 12 and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; 13 and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 14 “If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”