Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 1, 2023
First Reading: Sirach 42.15-25
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Psalm 33
1Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.2Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.3Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.4For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.5He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.7He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.10The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.13The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.14From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.15He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.16There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Gospel: Mark 10.46-52
46And they came to Jericho: and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.47And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me.48And many charged him that he should hold his peace: but he cried the more a great deal, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me.49And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort, rise; he calleth thee.50And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.51And Jesus answered and said unto him, What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? The blind man said unto him, Lord, that I might receive my sight.52And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the wisdom of God and the power of faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the beauty and order of God's creation, highlighting His wisdom in all that He has made. It encourages us to contemplate the works of the Lord and to recognize His hand in the world around us. The reading emphasizes that God's wisdom is beyond human understanding, yet it is revealed in the intricate details of creation and the mysteries of the human heart.
The Gospel from Mark brings us face to face with the living expression of God's wisdom in Jesus Christ. The story of Bartimaeus, the blind man, shows us the transformative power of faith. Bartimaeus, despite his physical blindness, sees with the eyes of faith. He cries out to Jesus, undeterred by the crowds who try to silence him, and his persistence is rewarded when Jesus restores his sight. This miracle is not just about physical healing; it is a spiritual awakening, a call to see the world and ourselves in a new light.
These readings challenge us to examine our own faith and trust in God. Like Bartimaeus, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but it is precisely in these moments that we are called to cry out to the Lord with persistence and hope. The wisdom of Sirach reminds us that God's plan is always at work, even when we cannot fully understand it. Let us ask for the grace to see beyond our limitations and to trust in God's loving providence. May our faith, like Bartimaeus', lead us to spiritual sight and a deeper union with Christ.