Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 25, 2018
First Reading: James 5.9-12
9Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.10Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.12But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
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 forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
Gospel: Mark 10.1-12
1And he arose from thence, and cometh into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort unto him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.2And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.3And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?4And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.5And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.6But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.7For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;8And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.9What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.10And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter.11And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.12And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of fidelity, integrity, and the enduring nature of commitments made in love. In the first reading from James, we are reminded not to complain against one another or swear oaths, as our words and actions should reflect the sincerity of our hearts. James encourages patience and trust in God’s providence, even in the face of trials, using the example of the prophets and the patience of Job to illustrate the value of enduring hardship with faith. This passage calls us to live with honesty and humility, avoiding the temptation to manipulate or deceive others through our words or actions.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the question of marriage and divorce, emphasizing the permanence of the union between a man and a woman as God originally intended. The Pharisees approach Jesus with a question about the legality of divorce, but Jesus goes deeper, pointing to the heart of the matter. He reminds us that marriage is not merely a human institution but a sacred bond established by God. Jesus’ teaching challenges us to understand marriage as a lifelong commitment rooted in love, fidelity, and mutual support, rather than a temporary arrangement that can be easily discarded.
Together, these readings encourage us to live with integrity and fidelity in all our relationships. James calls us to sincerity in our words and actions, while Jesus emphasizes the importance of upholding the sacred commitments we make to one another. In our daily lives, this means being truthful and reliable in our interactions, avoiding unnecessary oaths or complaints, and striving to build relationships that reflect the love and faithfulness of God. Let us ask for the grace to live with patience, honesty, and perseverance, trusting that God’s plan for us is one of mercy, compassion, and enduring love.