Daily Readings - Tue Mar 04 2025
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
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of faith, commitment, and the rewards of living a virtuous life. The First Reading from Sirach emphasizes the importance of living according to God's commandments and the value of acts of mercy and justice. It reminds us that our offerings to God, whether through prayer, sacrifice, or acts of charity, are pleasing to Him when done with a sincere and generous heart. The Gospel from Mark, on the other hand, highlights the radical commitment required of those who follow Jesus. Peter and the other disciples have left everything behind to follow Christ, and Jesus assures them that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded, both in this life and in the life to come.
The readings are connected by the theme of surrender and trust in God's providence. Sirach teaches us that living a life of integrity and generosity is not just a duty but a way of expressing our love and gratitude to God. Mark's Gospel takes this a step further, showing that true discipleship requires us to let go of our attachments and trust that God will provide for us in ways we cannot yet imagine. Both readings encourage us to live with faith and courage, knowing that our efforts to follow God's will, though sometimes difficult, are ultimately fruitful.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that our faith is not just about what we believe but also about how we live. We are called to be generous with our time, talents, and resources, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and bless us in ways we cannot see. Let us strive to live with integrity, to act with compassion, and to trust in God's promise that our sacrifices will bear fruit. May we, like the disciples, be willing to leave behind what holds us back and follow Jesus with courage and hope, knowing that eternal life awaits those who remain faithful.