Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 5, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 35.1-15
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Psalm 50
1The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.2Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.3Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.4He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.5Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.6And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.7Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.8I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.9I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.10For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.11I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine.12If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.13Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:15And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.16But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?17Seeing thou hatest instruction, and castest my words behind thee.18When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.19Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit.20Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.21These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.22Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.23Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.
Gospel: Mark 10.28-31
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of sacrifice, obedience, and the rewards that come from living a life faithful to God. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that true sacrifice is not just about outward offerings but about living justly and following God’s commandments. The author emphasizes that acts of mercy, gratitude, and justice are pleasing to God and are a form of worship. This passage encourages us to approach our relationship with God with integrity, generosity, and a willingness to let go of sin and injustice.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to Peter about the sacrifices required of those who follow Him. Peter and the other disciples had left behind their homes, families, and possessions to follow Jesus, and Jesus assures them that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded. However, Jesus also reminds them that the rewards come with persecutions and challenges, and that the ultimate reward is eternal life. This passage challenges us to think about what it means to prioritize our faith in our lives and to trust in God’s providence, even when the path is difficult.
Together, these readings teach us that living a life of faith requires sacrifice, but it is a sacrifice that is richly rewarded. Sirach reminds us that our actions matter—how we treat others, how we live justly, and how we give generously are all forms of worship. Mark’s Gospel reminds us that following Jesus may require us to let go of worldly attachments and to embrace the challenges of discipleship. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with integrity? Are we trusting in God’s plan even when it’s difficult? And are we open to receiving the blessings and graces that God offers us? May we find the strength to live faithfully, knowing that our sacrifices are not in vain, and that eternal life awaits those who remain true to God’s call.