Daily Readings - Tue May 25 2021
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 first reading from Sirach reminds us that true sacrifice is not just about external rituals but about living a life of integrity and justice. It emphasizes that withdrawing from sin and acting with mercy are the most pleasing offerings we can give to God. The reading encourages us to approach God with gratitude, generosity, and sincerity, for it is in these ways that we honor Him and align our lives with His will. The second reading from Mark’s Gospel shifts our focus to the radical call of discipleship. Peter and the other disciples had left everything to follow Jesus, and in response, Jesus promises that their sacrifice will be abundantly rewarded—not only in this life but also in the age to come. However, He also warns that the first will be last and the last will be first, challenging our notions of status, reward, and true greatness.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in practical ways. Sirach calls us to a life of moral integrity and generosity, while Mark’s Gospel reminds us that following Christ requires sacrifice and humility. Together, they teach us that our relationship with God is not about outward appearances or material offerings but about the condition of our hearts and the way we live out His commandments. The readings encourage us to trust in God’s providence, knowing that our sacrifices and efforts to live justly will bear fruit, even if the rewards are not always immediate or visible.
In our daily lives, this means being mindful of how we use our time, talents, and resources. It means choosing to act with justice, mercy, and generosity, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It also means embracing the challenges of discipleship with faith and trust, knowing that God’s ways are not our ways, and His timing is not our timing. Let us strive to live with hearts that are truly converted, offering ourselves to God in sacrifice and trusting that He will transform us and use us for His greater glory.