Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection March 07, 2026

07th March 2026 (Saturday)

Psalter: Week 2

Readings of the Day

First Reading: Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

Shepherd your people, [O Lord,] with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, who dwell alone in a forest in the midst of a garden land; let them graze in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old. As in the days when you came out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things. Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger for ever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.

Psalm 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12 (R. 8a)

R/. The Lord is compassionate and gracious.

Gospel Acclamation

V/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ

R/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ

V/. I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him; Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you

R/. Glory and praise to you, O Christ

Gospel: Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

At that time: the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

Daily Gospel Reflection

Saturday – Second Week of Lent

Main Point: Divine pardon doesn’t align with our human comprehension. We anticipate others should re-earn our confidence, yet the Lord rushes forward to embrace us even before we complete our expression of regret.

1. We’re examining what is likely Jesus’ most renowned narrative today. Typically, we refer to it as the tale of the wayward son. Much attention is given to the younger sibling who claims his parent’s funds, departs, and spectacularly ruins his existence.

2. However, the true astonishment in this account is the parent. When the young man finally stumbles homeward, reeking of swine and abject failure, the father refrains from folding his arms. He does not linger on the entryway awaiting a formal retraction. He gathers his garments and actually proceeds down the dusty lane to embrace his son.

3. To be frank, I find that magnitude of affection challenging. If someone wrongs me and wastes my effort, I desire a degree of humbling from them. I require evidence of their remorse before readmitting them.

4. Yet, the prophet Micah informs us in the initial reading that God’s nature differs from ours. He states that God actually “takes pleasure in showing mercy.” He doesn’t utilize our errors against us. Micah suggests that God casts our wrongdoings into the deepest part of the ocean. He thoroughly wipes them clean.

5. Then we encounter the elder sibling in the Gospel. He stands outside, seething with resentment. He adhered strictly to every regulation. He never departed. And he is incensed that his flawed, errant brother receives a celebration rather than severe penalty.

6. I must confess, I frequently resemble the older brother. I observe the failings of others and covertly feel superior because I attend services and fulfill my obligations. It is a rather unattractive, silent form of arrogance. It hardens my spirit.

7. But observe the father’s response. He steps away from the festivity to seek out the elder son as well. He pleads with the resentful youth to enter. God’s compassion is vast enough for both—the dissenter who strayed and the respecter of rules who grew resentful. He simply desires his entire family together at the board.

My Practice: Which sibling’s disposition am I embodying currently? Am I concealed in the mire of my own failings, or am I standing in the yard refusing to pardon another? Today, I will release my self-importance and allow God to usher me back into the dwelling.