Daily Readings - Tue Mar 01 2022

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 invited to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the call to holiness. The First Reading from 1 Peter reminds us that the prophets of old searched diligently for the salvation that we now know through Christ. They ministered not for themselves but for us, and their work was guided by the Holy Spirit. Peter urges us to gird our minds, be sober, and hope fully in the grace revealed in Jesus Christ. This call to holiness is not about outward conformity but about living as sons and daughters of obedience, reflecting the Holiness of God in every aspect of our lives. The Gospel from Mark complements this message as Jesus responds to Peter's declaration of leaving everything to follow Him. Jesus assures the disciples that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded, not only in this life but also in the age to come. However, He also warns that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. This reversal underscores the humility and selflessness required of those who follow Christ. True greatness in God's kingdom is measured by surrender, trust, and a willingness to embrace persecution for the sake of the Gospel. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that following Christ is not without cost. It demands letting go of our attachments and desires, trusting that God will provide far more than we could ever lose. The call to holiness is not about perfection but about living with intentionality, allowing the Spirit to transform us. May we embrace the sacrifices of discipleship with joy, knowing that they lead to eternal life. Let us strive to live as holy people, reflecting God's love and truth in every moment, and trust in His promise to reward our faithfulness beyond measure.