Daily Readings - Tue Mar 01 2022

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 invited to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the call to holiness. The First Reading from 1 Peter reminds us that the prophets of old searched diligently for the salvation that we now know through Christ. They ministered not for themselves but for us, and their work was guided by the Holy Spirit. Peter urges us to gird our minds, be sober, and hope fully in the grace revealed in Jesus Christ. This call to holiness is not about outward conformity but about living as sons and daughters of obedience, reflecting the Holiness of God in every aspect of our lives. The Gospel from Mark complements this message as Jesus responds to Peter's declaration of leaving everything to follow Him. Jesus assures the disciples that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded, not only in this life but also in the age to come. However, He also warns that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. This reversal underscores the humility and selflessness required of those who follow Christ. True greatness in God's kingdom is measured by surrender, trust, and a willingness to embrace persecution for the sake of the Gospel. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that following Christ is not without cost. It demands letting go of our attachments and desires, trusting that God will provide far more than we could ever lose. The call to holiness is not about perfection but about living with intentionality, allowing the Spirit to transform us. May we embrace the sacrifices of discipleship with joy, knowing that they lead to eternal life. Let us strive to live as holy people, reflecting God's love and truth in every moment, and trust in His promise to reward our faithfulness beyond measure.