Daily Readings - Mon May 28 2018
1 Peter
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,4and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you,5who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.6In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.7These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.8Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,9for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Mark
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard it is to enter 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 the kingdom of God."26The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from 1 Peter reminds us of the hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It encourages us to rejoice even amidst trials, as these trials refine our faith, making it as precious as gold. This hope is not fleeting; it is secured in heaven, promising us an incorruptible inheritance. Peter's words are a comfort to early Christians facing persecution, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith.
The Gospel from Mark presents a man who, in pursuit of eternal life, is challenged by Jesus to let go of his wealth. Despite keeping the commandments, the man is unable to part with his possessions, highlighting the struggle between material attachment and spiritual devotion. Jesus' teachings emphasize that wealth can be a significant barrier to entering the kingdom of God, a truth that astonishes His disciples. Yet, Jesus offers hope by reminding them that while this may be impossible for humans, it is possible with God.
These readings relate by emphasizing trust in God's plan. Peter's hope through trials and Jesus' challenge to the wealthy man both call us to trust in God's power. In our daily lives, we face various trials and attachments that test our faith. The moral lesson is clear: faith requires us to trust in God, even when it means letting go of what is comfortable or secure. With God, all things are possible, and our trust in Him will lead us to true joy and salvation. Let us embrace this hope and trust, allowing our faith to guide us through life's challenges.