Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 1, 2025
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God and humanity, as well as the call to humility and trust in divine providence. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded of the dignity of human beings, created in the image and likeness of God. The author emphasizes that God has entrusted us with great gifts: understanding, the knowledge of good and evil, and the ability to enter into a covenant with Him. This passage also highlights the responsibility that comes with such gifts, urging us to avoid sin and live according to God’s justice. The focus is on the greatness of God’s works and the call to praise and honor Him.
In the Gospel, Mark presents a scene where Jesus is approached by parents seeking His blessing for their children. While the disciples try to prevent this, Jesus takes offense and insists that the children come to Him. He declares that the kingdom of God belongs to those who receive it with the humility and openness of a child. This teaching challenges us to let go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of trust and simplicity. Jesus’ embrace and blessing of the children serve as a powerful reminder of God’s love for the vulnerable and the importance of humility in our spiritual lives.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the call to live in harmony with God’s will and to recognize our dependence on Him. Sirach reminds us of the dignity and responsibility that come with being created in God’s image, while the Gospel calls us to embrace humility and trust. In our daily lives, we are invited to approach God with the simplicity and openness of a child, recognizing that true greatness lies in our ability to receive His love and live according to His plan. May we, like the children in the Gospel, allow ourselves to be embraced by God’s mercy and guided by His wisdom.