Daily Readings - Mon May 28 2018

³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has regenerated us into a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead⁴unto an incorruptible and undefiled and unfading inheritance, which is reserved for you in heaven⁵By the power of God, you are guarded through faith for a salvation which is ready to be revealed in the end time⁶In this, you should exult, if now, for a brief time, it is necessary to be made sorrowful by various trials⁷so that the testing of your faith, which is much more precious than gold tested by fire, may be found in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ⁸For though you have not seen him, you love him. In him also, though you do not see him, you now believe. And in believing, you shall exult with an inexpressible and glorious joy⁹returning with the goal of your faith, the salvation of souls

Mark

Chapter 10

¹⁷And when he had departed on the way, a certain one, running up and kneeling before him, asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do, so that I may secure eternal life?¹⁸But Jesus said to him, "Why call me good? No one is good except the one God¹⁹You know the precepts: "Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not speak false testimony. Do not deceive. Honor your father and mother.²⁰But in response, he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.²¹Then Jesus, gazing at him, loved him, and he said to him: "One thing is lacking to you. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.²²But he went away grieving, having been greatly saddened by the word. For he had many possessions²³And Jesus, looking around, said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!²⁴And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus, answering again, said to them: "Little sons, how difficult it is for those who trust in money to enter into the kingdom of God²⁵It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God.²⁶And they wondered even more, saying among themselves, "Who, then, can be saved?²⁷And Jesus, gazing at them, said: "With men it is impossible; but not with God. For with God all things are possible.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from 1 Peter reminds us of the hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It encourages us to rejoice even amidst trials, as these trials refine our faith, making it as precious as gold. This hope is not fleeting; it is secured in heaven, promising us an incorruptible inheritance. Peter's words are a comfort to early Christians facing persecution, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith. The Gospel from Mark presents a man who, in pursuit of eternal life, is challenged by Jesus to let go of his wealth. Despite keeping the commandments, the man is unable to part with his possessions, highlighting the struggle between material attachment and spiritual devotion. Jesus' teachings emphasize that wealth can be a significant barrier to entering the kingdom of God, a truth that astonishes His disciples. Yet, Jesus offers hope by reminding them that while this may be impossible for humans, it is possible with God. These readings relate by emphasizing trust in God's plan. Peter's hope through trials and Jesus' challenge to the wealthy man both call us to trust in God's power. In our daily lives, we face various trials and attachments that test our faith. The moral lesson is clear: faith requires us to trust in God, even when it means letting go of what is comfortable or secure. With God, all things are possible, and our trust in Him will lead us to true joy and salvation. Let us embrace this hope and trust, allowing our faith to guide us through life's challenges.