Daily Readings - Thu Feb 27 2025
Sirach
1Do not choose to seek iniquitous possessions, and you should not say: "I have all I need in life." For it will be of no benefit to you in the time of retribution and darkness2You should not pursue, in your strength, the desires of your heart3And you should not say: "How powerful am I?" or, "Who will cast me down because of my deeds?" For God will vindicate with vengeance4You should not say, "I sinned, and what grief has befallen me?" For the Most High is a patient recompensor5Do not be willing to be without fear concerning a forgiven sin, and you should not add sin upon sin6And you should not say: "The compassion of the Lord is great; he will take pity on the multitude of my sins.7For both mercy and wrath go forth quickly from him, and his wrath sets its gaze upon sinners8You should not delay being converted to the Lord, and you should not set it aside from day to day
Mark
41For whoever, in my name, will give you a cup of water to drink, because you belong to Christ: Amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward42And whoever will have scandalized one of these little ones who believe in me: it would be better for him if a great millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea43And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off: it is better for you to enter into life disabled, than having two hands to go into Hell, into the unquenchable fire44where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished45But if your foot causes you to sin, chop it off: it is better for you to enter into eternal life lame, than having two feet to be cast into the Hell of unquenchable fire46where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished47But if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out: it is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into the Hell of fire48where their worm does not die, and the fire is not extinguished49For all shall be salted with fire, and every victim shall be salted with salt50Salt is good: but if the salt has become bland, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace among yourselves.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of vigilance against sin and the importance of community care. The first reading from Sirach cautions against complacency and self-reliance, urging us to avoid unjust pursuits and not delay conversion. It emphasizes God's patience but also His just judgment. The Gospel from Mark reinforces this with Jesus' teachings, using strong metaphors to highlight the seriousness of sin and the need to protect others from stumbling.
Both readings, while distinct, share a common thread—sin's gravity and the need for mindfulness. Sirach focuses on individual accountability, while Mark extends this to our impact on others, stressing the communal aspect of faith. Jesus' hyperbole about cutting off offending limbs underscores the radical commitment required to avoid sin and protect the community.
Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to reflect on our actions and their effects on others. The moral lesson is clear: sin is serious, and our choices have consequences. We must strive for self-awareness and a commitment to community, ensuring our actions foster a supportive and holy environment. Let us embrace this call to vigilance and care, seeking to live with integrity and compassion.