Daily Readings - Tue May 30 2023
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 true worship, sacrifice, and the rewards of following God’s will. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that genuine worship is not just about rituals or offerings but about living a life of integrity and justice. The author emphasizes that withdrawing from injustice and acting with mercy are far more pleasing to God than any material sacrifice. This passage underscores the importance of aligning our actions with God’s commandments, for it is in doing so that we truly honor Him. The second reading from Mark’s Gospel shifts our focus to the sacrifices we make for the sake of the Gospel. Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, acknowledges the great sacrifices they have made to follow Jesus. In response, Jesus promises that those who give up worldly attachments for His sake will receive abundantly, both in this life and in the eternal life to come. However, He also warns that the first will often be last, reminding us that true greatness in God’s eyes is not measured by worldly standards.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on living a life of detachment and trust in God’s providence. Sirach teaches us that true sacrifice is about moral integrity and generosity, while Mark’s Gospel highlights the radical call to follow Jesus without being bound by worldly possessions or status. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God must be rooted in faith, trust, and a willingness to let go of what holds us back from living according to His will. This is not to say that we must all become perfect or achieve some heroic level of holiness. Rather, it is about living each day with intentionality, seeking to align our choices and actions with God’s plan for us.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: What are the attachments or injustices in my life that I need to let go of? How can I live more generously and justly, not just in my actions but in my heart? The moral lesson here is clear: our ultimate fulfillment and joy come not from what we accumulate or achieve in this world but from our relationship with God. By trusting in His providence and striving to live according to His will, we open ourselves to the abundant life He promises. Let us embrace this call to live with integrity, mercy, and detachment, knowing that true greatness in God’s eyes is not about what we have but about how we love and serve Him and others.