Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 26, 2018
First Reading: James 5.13-20
13Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.14Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.15And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.16Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.17Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.18Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.19My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back,20let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.
Psalm 141
1O LORD, I call upon you; hasten to me! Give ear to my voice when I call to you!2Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!3Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!4Do not let my heart incline to any evil, to busy myself with wicked deeds in company with men who work iniquity, and let me not eat of their delicacies!5Let a righteous man strike me--it is a kindness; let him rebuke me--it is oil for my head; let my head not refuse it. Yet my prayer is continually against their evil deeds.6When their judges are thrown over the cliff, then they shall hear my words, for they are pleasant.7As when one plows and breaks up the earth, so shall our bones be scattered at the mouth of Sheol.8But my eyes are toward you, O GOD, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless!9Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me and from the snares of evildoers!10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by safely.
Gospel: Mark 10.13-16
13And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, humility, and community. The first reading from James encourages us to turn to prayer in times of sorrow or illness, emphasizing the role of faith in healing and the importance of confessing sins to one another for spiritual well-being. It also highlights the impact of prayer, using Elijah as an example of how persistent prayer can effect change. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus teaching on the value of childlike faith, stressing that the Kingdom of God is accessible to those who approach it with humility and trust, as children do.
Both readings, though distinct, share a common thread of faith and trust in God. James focuses on active faith within the community, where prayer and support for one another are essential. Mark's Gospel illustrates the humility required to embrace God's grace, using children as a model of such humility. Together, they remind us that faith is not just personal but also communal, involving care for others and a willingness to approach God with simplicity and trust.
In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to cultivate humility and trust in God. We are called to be approachable and open, much like children, and to actively support one another through prayer and compassion. The moral lesson here is the transformative power of faith and humility, and the vital role of community in our spiritual journey. Let us strive to embody these qualities, trusting in God's providence and caring for each other as we walk in faith.