Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 2, 2019
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 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 10.13-16
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 creation, covenant, and childlike faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of God's creation of humanity in His image, granting us understanding and dominion over the earth. It highlights God's covenant with His people, emphasizing His ever-watchful presence and the special role of Israel. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus teaching that the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach it with the humility and trust of a child, illustrating this by blessing the children brought to Him.
These readings connect through the idea of trust and innocence. Sirach reflects on God's trust in humanity, while Mark's Jesus emphasizes the need for childlike faith. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God should be rooted in humility and trust, rather than pride or self-reliance.
In daily life, this teaches us to approach God with openness and innocence, recognizing our dependence on Him. The moral lesson is clear: humility and trust are vital virtues. Let us embrace these qualities, allowing ourselves to receive God's grace with the simplicity and faith of a child.