Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 1, 2025

First Reading: Sirach 17.1-4, 6-8, 10-15

¹God created man from the earth, and he made him according to his own image²And he returned him again to it, and he clothed him with virtue according to himself³He gave him the number and time of his days, and he gave him authority over all the things that are upon the earth⁴He placed the fear of him over all flesh, and he had dominion over wild beasts and flying things⁶He created within them the knowledge of the spirit. He filled their heart with understanding, and he showed them both good and evil⁷He set his eye upon their hearts, to reveal to them the greatness of his works⁸so that they might highly praise the name of sanctification, and give glory to his wonders, so that they might declare the greatness of his works¹⁰He established an eternal covenant with them, and he revealed to them his justice and judgments¹¹And their eye saw the greatness of his honor, and their ears heard the honor of his voice, and he said to them: "Beware of all iniquity.¹²And he commanded each one concerning his neighbor¹³Their ways are always in his sight; they are not hidden from his eyes¹⁴Over each and every people, he has appointed a ruler¹⁵And Israel was made to be the manifest portion of God

Psalm 103

Psalms

Chapter 103

¹To David himself. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and bless his holy name, all that is within me²Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his recompenses³He forgives all your iniquities. He heals all your infirmities⁴He redeems your life from destruction. He crowns you with mercy and compassion⁵He satisfies your desire with good things. Your youth will be renewed like that of the eagle⁶The Lord accomplishes mercies, and his judgment is for all who patiently endure injuries⁷He has made his ways known to Moses, his will to the sons of Israel⁸The Lord is compassionate and merciful, patient and full of mercy⁹He will not be angry forever, and he will not threaten for eternity¹⁰He has not dealt with us according to our sins, and he has not repaid us according to our iniquities¹¹For according to the height of the heavens above the earth, so has he reinforced his mercy toward those who fear him¹²As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our iniquities from us¹³As a father is compassionate to his sons, so has the Lord been compassionate to those who fear him¹⁴For he knows our form. He has called to mind that we are dust¹⁵Man: his days are like hay. Like the flower of the field, so will he flourish¹⁶For the spirit in him will pass away, and it will not remain, and he will know his place no longer¹⁷But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity, and even unto eternity, upon those who fear him. And his justice is with the sons of the sons¹⁸with those who serve his covenant and have been mindful of his commandments by doing them¹⁹The Lord has prepared his throne in heaven, and his kingdom will rule over all²⁰Bless the Lord, all you his Angels: powerful in virtue, doing his word, in order to heed the voice of his discourse²¹Bless the Lord, all his hosts: his ministers who do his will²²Bless the Lord, all his works: in every place of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul

Gospel: Mark 10.13-16

Mark

Chapter 10

¹³And they brought to him the little children, so that he might touch them. But the disciples admonished those who brought them¹⁴But when Jesus saw this, he took offense, and he said to them: "Allow the little ones to come to me, and do not prohibit them. For of such as these is the kingdom of God¹⁵Amen I say to you, whoever will not accept the kingdom of God like a little child, will not enter into it.¹⁶And embracing them, and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God and humanity, as well as the call to humility and trust in divine providence. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded of the dignity of human beings, created in the image and likeness of God. The author emphasizes that God has entrusted us with great gifts: understanding, the knowledge of good and evil, and the ability to enter into a covenant with Him. This passage also highlights the responsibility that comes with such gifts, urging us to avoid sin and live according to God’s justice. The focus is on the greatness of God’s works and the call to praise and honor Him. In the Gospel, Mark presents a scene where Jesus is approached by parents seeking His blessing for their children. While the disciples try to prevent this, Jesus takes offense and insists that the children come to Him. He declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with the humility and openness of a child. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of trust and simplicity. Jesus’ embrace and blessing of the children serve as a powerful reminder of God’s love for the vulnerable and the importance of humility in our spiritual lives. These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the call to live in harmony with God’s will and to recognize our dependence on Him. Sirach reminds us of the dignity and responsibility that come with being created in God’s image, while the Gospel calls us to embrace humility and trust. In our daily lives, we are invited to approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child, recognizing that true greatness lies in our ability to receive His love and live according to His plan. May we, like the children in the Gospel, allow ourselves to be embraced by God’s mercy and guided by His wisdom.