Daily Readings - Mon Mar 04 2019
Mark
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.