Daily Readings - Mon Mar 04 2019
Sirach
24And acknowledge the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the circumstances set before you and in prayer to the most high God25Go to the side of the holy generation, to those who live in order to give praise to God26You should not linger in the error of the impious; confess before death. Confession perishes from the dead as if it were nothing27Confess while living; you should give thanks while you are still alive and healthy. And you should praise God and glory in his compassion29For not all things can be in men, because the son of man is not immortal, and because they are pleased by the emptiness of malice
Mark
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 are invited to reflect on the essence of a life lived in harmony with God’s will. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God’s justice and maintaining a steadfast commitment to prayer and confession. It urges us to live virtuously, recognizing that true life is found in praising God and trusting in His mercy. This wisdom literature offers practical guidance on moral living, emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude.
The Gospel from Mark presents a vivid challenge through the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man. The man’s question about inheriting eternal life leads Jesus to highlight the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God when one is attached to wealth. Jesus’ response is not a call for all to sell their possessions, but rather an invitation to examine where our hearts lie. This teaching underscores the theme of detachment, urging us to trust in God’s providence over material security.
These readings intersect in their call to live a life oriented towards God. Sirach’s emphasis on prayer and confession lays the groundwork for the kind of spiritual detachment Jesus speaks about. In our daily lives, we are challenged to assess our priorities. Are we allowing material comforts to hinder our spiritual growth? Let us consider how we can follow Jesus more closely, perhaps by letting go of some attachments and trusting in God’s plan. The moral lesson here is clear: our hearts must be free to follow God, recognizing that true wealth lies in our relationship with Him.