Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 1, 2025
First Reading: Sirach 17.1-4, 6-8, 10-15
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Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Gospel: Mark 10.13-16
13And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them.14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.15Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it."16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God and humanity, as well as the call to humility and trust in divine providence. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded of the dignity of human beings, created in the image and likeness of God. The author emphasizes that God has entrusted us with great gifts: understanding, the knowledge of good and evil, and the ability to enter into a covenant with Him. This passage also highlights the responsibility that comes with such gifts, urging us to avoid sin and live according to God’s justice. The focus is on the greatness of God’s works and the call to praise and honor Him.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a scene where Jesus is approached by parents seeking His blessing for their children. While the disciples try to prevent this, Jesus takes offense and insists that the children come to Him. He declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with the humility and openness of a child. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of trust and simplicity. Jesus’ embrace and blessing of the children serve as a powerful reminder of God’s love for the vulnerable and the importance of humility in our spiritual lives.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the call to live in harmony with God’s will and to recognize our dependence on Him. Sirach reminds us of the dignity and responsibility that come with being created in God’s image, while the Gospel calls us to embrace humility and trust. In our daily lives, we are invited to approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child, recognizing that true greatness lies in our ability to receive His love and live according to His plan. May we, like the children in the Gospel, allow ourselves to be embraced by God’s mercy and guided by His wisdom.