Daily Readings - Tue May 29 2018

¹⁰Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,¹¹inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.¹²It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.¹³Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.¹⁴As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,¹⁵but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,¹⁶since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."

Mark

Chapter 10

²⁸Peter began to say to him, "See, we have left everything and followed you."²⁹Jesus said, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,³⁰who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.³¹But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound commitment required in following Christ and the promise of eternal life that accompanies such devotion. The first reading from 1 Peter encourages believers to live holy lives, reflecting on the prophets who foretold the sufferings and glories of Christ. This passage, written to early Christians facing persecution, underscores the importance of maintaining a steadfast faith and virtuous living despite challenges. The Gospel from Mark highlights the sacrifices made by the disciples and Jesus’ assurance of abundant rewards, both in this life and the next. He also reminds us that our earthly status does not determine our eternal standing, emphasizing humility and trust in God’s plan. These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the transformative power of faith. Peter calls us to holiness, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence for God. Mark’s Gospel challenges us to embrace sacrifice and trust in God’s promise of eternal life. Together, they invite us to reevaluate our priorities and commitments, aligning them with the values of the Kingdom of God. In our daily lives, these teachings call us to live with integrity, compassion, and hope. We are to remain faithful, even when faced with difficulties, trusting that our sacrifices contribute to a greater purpose. Let us strive to be holy, not in our own strength, but through the grace of God, and let us trust in His promise of eternal life. May we live each day with the conviction that our commitment to Christ will yield abundant fruit, both now and forever.