Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 4, 2019

First Reading: Sirach 17.24-27, 29

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Psalm 32

¹Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.²Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.³For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.⁴For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah⁵I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah⁶Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him.⁷You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah⁸I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.⁹Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.¹⁰Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.¹¹Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Gospel: Mark 10.17-27

Mark

Chapter 10

¹⁷And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"¹⁸And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.¹⁹You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'"²⁰And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth."²¹And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."²²Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.²³And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"²⁴And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!²⁵It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."²⁶And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?"²⁷Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of a life lived in harmony with God’s will. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God’s justice and maintaining a steadfast commitment to prayer and confession. It urges us to live virtuously, recognizing that true life is found in praising God and trusting in His mercy. This wisdom literature offers practical guidance on moral living, emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude. The Gospel from Mark presents a vivid challenge through the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man. The man’s question about inheriting eternal life leads Jesus to highlight the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God when one is attached to wealth. Jesus’ response is not a call for all to sell their possessions, but rather an invitation to examine where our hearts lie. This teaching underscores the theme of detachment, urging us to trust in God’s providence over material security. These readings intersect in their call to live a life oriented towards God. Sirach’s emphasis on prayer and confession lays the groundwork for the kind of spiritual detachment Jesus speaks about. In our daily lives, we are challenged to assess our priorities. Are we allowing material comforts to hinder our spiritual growth? Let us consider how we can follow Jesus more closely, perhaps by letting go of some attachments and trusting in God’s plan. The moral lesson here is clear: our hearts must be free to follow God, recognizing that true wealth lies in our relationship with Him.