Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 3, 2025
First Reading: Sirach 17.24-27, 29
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Psalm 32
1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.2Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.3When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.4For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.5I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.6For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.7Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah.8I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.10Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.11Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
Gospel: Mark 10.17-27
17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.26And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?27And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the themes of living virtuously and the challenges of wealth in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes acknowledging God's justice and judgment, urging us to stand firm in prayer and to confess our sins while we still can. It reminds us that human life is transient and that malice is fleeting. This wisdom literature, likely written for Jews in the second century BCE, encourages a life of virtue and maintaining a right relationship with God through moral living and prayer.
The Gospel from Mark presents a man who, despite keeping the commandments, is called by Jesus to a deeper commitment—selling his possessions, giving to the poor, and following him. This encounter highlights the radical call of discipleship, challenging us to consider what attachments might hinder our relationship with God. Jesus' statement about the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom of God underscores the idea that true discipleship requires more than outward observance; it demands a commitment to let go of worldly securities.
Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. What attachments—material or emotional—might be holding us back from fully following God? The readings encourage us to create space for God by embracing detachment and focusing on love, compassion, and service. The moral lesson here is that true discipleship is not just about following rules but about a radical commitment to live according to God's will, trusting in His providence. Let us strive to embrace this commitment, letting go of what is unnecessary and living a life of faith and service.