Daily Readings - Tue Mar 05 2019
Sirach
1Whoever observes the law multiplies oblations2It is a salutary sacrifice to attend to the commandments and to withdraw from all iniquity3And to depart from injustice is to offer a propitiatory sacrifice for injustices and a supplication for sins4Whoever gives thanks, offers a gift of fine flour, and whoever acts with mercy, offers a sacrifice5To withdraw from iniquity is well-pleasing to the Lord. And to withdraw from injustice is a supplication for sins6You should not appear empty before the sight of the Lord7For all these things are to be done because of the commandment of God8The oblation of the just fattens the altar, and is a fragrance of sweetness in the sight of the Most High9The sacrifice of the just is acceptable, and the Lord will never forget the memorial of it10Render glory to God with a good heart. And you should not reduce the first-fruits of your hands11With every gift, have a cheerful countenance, and sanctify your tithes with exultation12Give to the Most High according to his gifts to you, and act with a good eye toward the creations of your hands13For the Lord gives recompense, and he will repay you seven times as much14Do not be willing to offer corrupt gifts. For he will not accept them15And do not be willing to consider an unjust sacrifice. For the Lord is the judge, and with him there is no favoritism toward anyone
Mark
28And Peter began to say to him, "Behold, we have left all things and have followed you.29In response, Jesus said: "Amen I say to you, There is no one who has left behind house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or land, for my sake and for the Gospel30who will not receive one hundred times as much, now in this time: houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and land, with persecutions, and in the future age eternal life31But many of the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, obedience, and the rewards that come from living a life faithful to God. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that true sacrifice is not just about outward offerings but about living justly and following God’s commandments. The author emphasizes that acts of mercy, gratitude, and justice are pleasing to God and are a form of worship. This passage encourages us to approach our relationship with God with integrity, generosity, and a willingness to let go of sin and injustice.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to Peter about the sacrifices required of those who follow Him. Peter and the other disciples had left behind their homes, families, and possessions to follow Jesus, and Jesus assures them that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded. However, Jesus also reminds them that the rewards come with persecutions and challenges, and that the ultimate reward is eternal life. This passage challenges us to think about what it means to prioritize our faith in our lives and to trust in God’s providence, even when the path is difficult.
Together, these readings teach us that living a life of faith requires sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice that is richly rewarded. Sirach reminds us that our actions matter—how we treat others, how we live justly, and how we give generously are all forms of worship. Mark’s Gospel reminds us that following Jesus may require us to let go of worldly attachments and to embrace the challenges of discipleship. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with integrity? Are we trusting in God’s plan even when it’s difficult? And are we open to receiving the blessings and graces that God offers us? May we find the strength to live faithfully, knowing that our sacrifices are not in vain, and that eternal life awaits those who remain true to God’s call.