Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 1, 2022
First Reading: 1 Peter 1.10-16
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."
Psalm 98
1Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.2The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.3He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!5Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody!6With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD!7Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who dwell in it!8Let the rivers clap their hands; let the hills sing for joy together9before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
Gospel: Mark 10.28-31
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.