Daily Readings - Tue May 29 2018

¹⁰Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:¹¹Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.¹²Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.¹³Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;¹⁴As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:¹⁵But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;¹⁶Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Mark

Chapter 10

²⁸Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.²⁹And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,³⁰But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.³¹But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound commitment required in following Christ and the promise of eternal life that accompanies such devotion. The first reading from 1 Peter encourages believers to live holy lives, reflecting on the prophets who foretold the sufferings and glories of Christ. This passage, written to early Christians facing persecution, underscores the importance of maintaining a steadfast faith and virtuous living despite challenges. The Gospel from Mark highlights the sacrifices made by the disciples and Jesus’ assurance of abundant rewards, both in this life and the next. He also reminds us that our earthly status does not determine our eternal standing, emphasizing humility and trust in God’s plan. These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the transformative power of faith. Peter calls us to holiness, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence for God. Mark’s Gospel challenges us to embrace sacrifice and trust in God’s promise of eternal life. Together, they invite us to reevaluate our priorities and commitments, aligning them with the values of the Kingdom of God. In our daily lives, these teachings call us to live with integrity, compassion, and hope. We are to remain faithful, even when faced with difficulties, trusting that our sacrifices contribute to a greater purpose. Let us strive to be holy, not in our own strength, but through the grace of God, and let us trust in His promise of eternal life. May we live each day with the conviction that our commitment to Christ will yield abundant fruit, both now and forever.