Daily Readings - Mon Mar 03 2025
Sirach
24And acknowledge the justices and judgments of God, and stand firm in the circumstances set before you and in prayer to the most high God25Go to the side of the holy generation, to those who live in order to give praise to God26You should not linger in the error of the impious; confess before death. Confession perishes from the dead as if it were nothing27Confess while living; you should give thanks while you are still alive and healthy. And you should praise God and glory in his compassion29For not all things can be in men, because the son of man is not immortal, and because they are pleased by the emptiness of malice
Mark
17And when he had departed on the way, a certain one, running up and kneeling before him, asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do, so that I may secure eternal life?18But Jesus said to him, "Why call me good? No one is good except the one God19You know the precepts: "Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not speak false testimony. Do not deceive. Honor your father and mother.20But in response, he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.21Then Jesus, gazing at him, loved him, and he said to him: "One thing is lacking to you. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.22But he went away grieving, having been greatly saddened by the word. For he had many possessions23And Jesus, looking around, said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus, answering again, said to them: "Little sons, how difficult it is for those who trust in money to enter into the kingdom of God25It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God.26And they wondered even more, saying among themselves, "Who, then, can be saved?27And Jesus, gazing at them, said: "With men it is impossible; but not with God. For with God all things are possible.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the themes of living virtuously and the challenges of wealth in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes acknowledging God's justice and judgment, urging us to stand firm in prayer and to confess our sins while we still can. It reminds us that human life is transient and that malice is fleeting. This wisdom literature, likely written for Jews in the second century BCE, encourages a life of virtue and maintaining a right relationship with God through moral living and prayer.
The Gospel from Mark presents a man who, despite keeping the commandments, is called by Jesus to a deeper commitment—selling his possessions, giving to the poor, and following him. This encounter highlights the radical call of discipleship, challenging us to consider what attachments might hinder our relationship with God. Jesus' statement about the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom of God underscores the idea that true discipleship requires more than outward observance; it demands a commitment to let go of worldly securities.
Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. What attachments—material or emotional—might be holding us back from fully following God? The readings encourage us to create space for God by embracing detachment and focusing on love, compassion, and service. The moral lesson here is that true discipleship is not just about following rules but about a radical commitment to live according to God's will, trusting in His providence. Let us strive to embrace this commitment, letting go of what is unnecessary and living a life of faith and service.