Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 2, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 17.1-4, 6-8, 10-15
1God created man from the earth, and he made him according to his own image2And he returned him again to it, and he clothed him with virtue according to himself3He gave him the number and time of his days, and he gave him authority over all the things that are upon the earth4He placed the fear of him over all flesh, and he had dominion over wild beasts and flying things6He created within them the knowledge of the spirit. He filled their heart with understanding, and he showed them both good and evil7He set his eye upon their hearts, to reveal to them the greatness of his works8so that they might highly praise the name of sanctification, and give glory to his wonders, so that they might declare the greatness of his works10He established an eternal covenant with them, and he revealed to them his justice and judgments11And their eye saw the greatness of his honor, and their ears heard the honor of his voice, and he said to them: "Beware of all iniquity.12And he commanded each one concerning his neighbor13Their ways are always in his sight; they are not hidden from his eyes14Over each and every people, he has appointed a ruler15And Israel was made to be the manifest portion of God
Psalm 103
1To David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses3He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities4He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion5He satisfies your desire with good things. Your youth will be renewed like that of the eagle6The Lord accomplishes mercies, and his judgment is for all who patiently endure injuries7He has made his ways known to Moses, his will to the sons of Israel8The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy9He will not be angry forever, and he will not threaten for eternity10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, and he has not repaid us according to our iniquities11For according to the height of the heavens above the earth, so has he reinforced his mercy toward those who fear him12As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us13As a father is compassionate to his sons, so has the Lord been compassionate to those who fear him14For he knows our form. He has called to mind that we are dust15Man: his days are like hay. Like the flower of the field, so will he flourish16For the spirit in him will pass away, and it will not remain, and he will know his place no longer17But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, and even unto eternity, upon those who fear him. And his justice is with the sons of the sons18with those who serve his covenant and have been mindful of his commandments by doing them19The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom will rule over all20Bless the Lord, all you his Angels: powerful in virtue, doing his word, in order to heed the voice of his discourse21Bless the Lord, all his hosts: his ministers who do his will22Bless the Lord, all his works: in every place of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul
Gospel: Mark 10.13-16
13And they brought to him the little children, so that he might touch them. But the disciples admonished those who brought them14But when Jesus saw this, he took offense, and he said to them: "Allow the little ones to come to me, and do not prohibit them. For of such as these is the kingdom of God15Amen I say to you, whoever will not accept the kingdom of God like a little child, will not enter into it.16And embracing them, and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of creation, covenant, and childlike faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of God's creation of humanity in His image, granting us understanding and dominion over the earth. It highlights God's covenant with His people, emphasizing His ever-watchful presence and the special role of Israel. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus teaching that the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach it with the humility and trust of a child, illustrating this by blessing the children brought to Him.
These readings connect through the idea of trust and innocence. Sirach reflects on God's trust in humanity, while Mark's Jesus emphasizes the need for childlike faith. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God should be rooted in humility and trust, rather than pride or self-reliance.
In daily life, this teaches us to approach God with openness and innocence, recognizing our dependence on Him. The moral lesson is clear: humility and trust are vital virtues. Let us embrace these qualities, allowing ourselves to receive God's grace with the simplicity and faith of a child.