Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 7, 2018
First Reading: 2 Timothy 2.8-15
8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God's word is not chained.10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;13if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Psalm 25
1To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;2in you I trust, O my God. Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.3No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.4Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;5guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.6Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old.7Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD.8Good and upright is the LORD; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.9He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.10All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful for those who keep the demands of his covenant.11For the sake of your name, O LORD, forgive my iniquity, though it is great.12Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD? He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.13He will spend his days in prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land.14The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.15My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare.16Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.17The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish.18Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.19See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me!20Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you.21May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.22Redeem Israel, O God, from all their troubles!
Gospel: Mark 12.28-34
28One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith and love. The second reading from 2 Timothy reminds us of the importance of enduring suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Paul, despite being chained, remains steadfast in his faith, emphasizing that the Word of God cannot be bound. He encourages Timothy to be a faithful worker, handling the Word of Truth with integrity. This letter serves as a testament to the resilience required in spreading God’s message, even in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel from Mark, Jesus engages with a scribe, outlining the greatest commandments: loving God with all our being and loving our neighbor as ourselves. This exchange highlights the essence of our faith, which is rooted in love. The scribe’s positive response earns Jesus’ praise, indicating that understanding and living these commandments brings us closer to the Kingdom of God.
These readings intertwine the themes of faithfulness and love. Paul’s perseverance in the face of hardship mirrors Jesus’ teachings on love. Both emphasize commitment to our faith and compassion towards others. In our daily lives, this means standing firm in our beliefs, even when challenged, and expressing love through our actions. Whether it’s a kind gesture or standing up for what is right, we reflect God’s love.
As we reflect on these teachings, let us strive to embody unwavering faith and selfless love. May our actions and commitments be a testament to God’s enduring love, guiding us to live faithfully and compassionately in His light.