Daily Catholic Mass Readings for February 25, 2025
First Reading: Sirach 2.1-11
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Psalm 37
1Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity.2For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.3Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.4Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.5Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.6And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.7Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.12The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.14The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.15Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.16A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.18The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.19They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.20But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.21The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.22For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off.23The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.24Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.25I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.26He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.27Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.28For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.29The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.30The mouth of the righteous speaketh wisdom, and his tongue talketh of judgment.31The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.32The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.33The LORD will not leave him in his hand, nor condemn him when he is judged.34Wait on the LORD, and keep his way, and he shall exalt thee to inherit the land: when the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.35I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.36Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.37Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace.38But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off.39But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.40And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
Gospel: Mark 9.30-37
30And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.31For he taught his disciples, and said unto them, The Son of man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him; and after that he is killed, he shall rise the third day.32But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.33And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?34But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.35And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.36And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them,37Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust in God, humility, and service. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that faith in God is tested through trials and humiliations. The author encourages us to endure patiently, believing that God will restore us and bring us to a place of deeper understanding and holiness. This passage emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of suffering, trusting that God’s plan is at work even when we cannot see it clearly. It is a call to humility and surrender, recognizing that true strength comes not from our own efforts but from our reliance on God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the nature of his mission and the true meaning of greatness. He predicts his own suffering and death, but the disciples are unable to grasp the significance of his words. Later, when they argue about who is the greatest among them, Jesus uses a child as an example of humility and innocence. He teaches that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking power or status. This passage challenges us to re-examine our priorities and to embrace a life of selfless love and service, just as Jesus did.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not about avoiding challenges or seeking recognition, but about trusting God in the midst of trials and living with humility and compassion. In our daily lives, we are called to embrace the crosses we bear with patience and faith, knowing that God is with us. We are also invited to let go of our own ambitions and desires for greatness, instead choosing to serve others in love. By doing so, we not only grow closer to God but also become instruments of his mercy and grace in the world. Let us strive to live out these teachings, trusting in God’s plan and serving one another with humility and love.