Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 26, 2018
First Reading: James 5.13-20
13Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:15And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.17Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.18And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.19Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;20Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Psalm 141
1LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.2Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.3Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.4Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.6When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.7Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.8But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.9Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.10Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.
Gospel: Mark 10.13-16
13And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.14But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.15Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.16And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, humility, and community. The first reading from James encourages us to turn to prayer in times of sorrow or illness, emphasizing the role of faith in healing and the importance of confessing sins to one another for spiritual well-being. It also highlights the impact of prayer, using Elijah as an example of how persistent prayer can effect change. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus teaching on the value of childlike faith, stressing that the Kingdom of God is accessible to those who approach it with humility and trust, as children do.
Both readings, though distinct, share a common thread of faith and trust in God. James focuses on active faith within the community, where prayer and support for one another are essential. Mark's Gospel illustrates the humility required to embrace God's grace, using children as a model of such humility. Together, they remind us that faith is not just personal but also communal, involving care for others and a willingness to approach God with simplicity and trust.
In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to cultivate humility and trust in God. We are called to be approachable and open, much like children, and to actively support one another through prayer and compassion. The moral lesson here is the transformative power of faith and humility, and the vital role of community in our spiritual journey. Let us strive to embody these qualities, trusting in God's providence and caring for each other as we walk in faith.