Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 24, 2018
First Reading: James 5.1-6
1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you.2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes.3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
Psalm 49
1Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world,2both low and high, rich and poor alike:3My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding.4I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle:5Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me-6those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches?7No man can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for him-8the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough-9that he should live on forever and not see decay.10For all can see that wise men die; the foolish and the senseless alike perish and leave their wealth to others.11Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves.12But man, despite his riches, does not endure; he is like the beasts that perish.13This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings. Selah14Like sheep they are destined for the grave, and death will feed on them. The upright will rule over them in the morning; their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions.15But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. Selah16Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases;17for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him.18Though while he lived he counted himself blessed- and men praise you when you prosper-19he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life.20A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.
Gospel: Mark 9.41-50
41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.44Verse omitted from the New International Version45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.46Verse omitted from the New International Version47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,48where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'49Everyone will be salted with fire.50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about justice, accountability, and the call to live with integrity. The first reading from James directs a stern warning to those who have exploited others for wealth and luxury, reminding them that their actions have consequences. James emphasizes that true faith cannot coexist with injustice; it demands that we care for the marginalized and uphold fairness in all our dealings. The Gospel from Mark complements this by highlighting the importance of protecting the vulnerable and avoiding actions that might lead others astray. Jesus uses vivid imagery to stress the seriousness of sin and the need for radical self-denial to follow him faithfully.
Both readings, though written in different contexts, share a common theme: the call to live in a way that reflects God’s justice and love. James addresses the social inequalities of his time, while Mark focuses on the personal and communal responsibility to uphold moral integrity. Together, they remind us that our actions have ripple effects, impacting not only our own souls but also the lives of those around us. The readings challenge us to examine how we treat others, especially those who are weaker or more vulnerable, and to consider whether our choices align with the values of the kingdom of God.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How do I use the resources and opportunities I have? Do I contribute to the well-being of others, or do I prioritize my own interests at their expense? The moral lesson is clear: authentic faith is not just about belief but about living in a way that reflects God’s justice and compassion. May we strive to be salt that brings flavor to the world, preserving and enhancing the lives of those around us, and may we have the courage to make sacrifices that align our lives more closely with Christ’s teachings.