Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 4, 2021
First Reading: Tobit 11.5-15
5But Anna sat beside the way every day, on the top of a hill, from where she would be able to see for a long distance6And while she was watching for his arrival from that place, she looked far off, and soon she realized that her son was approaching. And running, she reported it to her husband, saying: "Behold, your son arrives.7And Raphael said to Tobias: "As soon as you enter into your house, immediately adore the Lord your God. And, giving thanks to him, approach your father, and kiss him8And immediately anoint his eyes from this gall of the fish, which you carry with you. For you should know that his eyes will soon be opened, and your father will see the light of heaven, and he will rejoice at the sight of you.9Then the dog, which had been with them in the way, ran ahead, and, arriving like a messenger, he showed his joy by fawning and wagging his tail10And rising up, his blind father began to run, stumbling with his feet. And giving his hand to a servant, he ran on to meet his son11And receiving him, he kissed him, as did his wife, and they both began to weep for joy12And when they had adored God and had given thanks, they sat down together13Then Tobias, taking from the gall of the fish, anointed his father’s eyes14And about half an hour passed, and then a white film began to come out of his eyes, like the membrane of an egg15So, taking hold of it, Tobias pulled it away from his eyes, and immediately he received his sight
Psalm 146
1Alleluia. Of Haggai and Zachariah2Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord with my life. I will sing psalms to my God as long as I shall be. Do not trust in the leaders3in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation4His spirit will depart, and he will return to his earth. In that day, all their thoughts will perish5Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob: his hope is in the Lord God himself6who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all the things that are in them7He preserves the truth forever. He executes judgment for those who suffer injury. He provides food for the hungry. The Lord releases those who are bound8The Lord enlightens the blind. The Lord sets upright those who have been thrown down. The Lord loves the just9The Lord watches over new arrivals. He will support the orphan and the widow. And he will destroy the ways of sinners10The Lord shall reign forever: your God, O Zion, from generation to generation
Gospel: Mark 12.35-37
35And while teaching in the temple, Jesus said in answer: "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the son of David36For David himself said in the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I set your enemies as your footstool.37Therefore, David himself calls him Lord, and so how can he be his son?" And a great multitude listened to him willingly
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith, healing, and the mystery of God’s identity. In the first reading from Tobit, we witness the dramatic healing of Tobit’s blindness. Tobias, guided by the angel Raphael, uses the gall of a fish to restore his father’s sight. This story is not just about physical healing but also about the restoration of hope and faith in God’s providence. Tobit’s journey from darkness to light mirrors our own spiritual journeys, where God often works through unexpected means to bring us closer to Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the understanding of the Messiah’s identity. He quotes Psalm 110, where David calls the Messiah “Lord,” prompting the question of how the Messiah can be David’s son if David himself refers to Him as Lord. This exchange highlights the paradox of Jesus’ divine and human nature. It reminds us that God’s ways are not bound by human logic or expectations. Just as Tobit’s healing defied natural explanations, Jesus’ identity as both Son of David and Lord of all transcends human understanding.
These readings call us to embrace faith in the face of uncertainty and to trust in God’s plan, even when it seems inexplicable. Like Tobit, we may find ourselves in dark or challenging situations, but God is always at work, bringing light and healing in ways we least expect. And like the crowd in the temple, we are invited to ponder the mystery of God’s nature and to surrender our limited understanding to His divine wisdom. May we, like Tobias, act with faith and trust, knowing that God’s power can transform even the darkest corners of our lives.