Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 2, 2019
First Reading: Sirach 17.1-4, 6-8, 10-15
This reading is not available in the NIV version. Visit the CPDV version to view the reading.
Psalm 103
1Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.2Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-3who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion,5who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel:8The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.9He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;10he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;14for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field;16the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.17But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-18with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.19The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.20Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word.21Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will.22Praise the LORD, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the LORD, O my soul.
Gospel: Mark 10.13-16
13People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them.14When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.15I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."16And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of creation, covenant, and childlike faith. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of God's creation of humanity in His image, granting us understanding and dominion over the earth. It highlights God's covenant with His people, emphasizing His ever-watchful presence and the special role of Israel. The Gospel from Mark presents Jesus teaching that the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach it with the humility and trust of a child, illustrating this by blessing the children brought to Him.
These readings connect through the idea of trust and innocence. Sirach reflects on God's trust in humanity, while Mark's Jesus emphasizes the need for childlike faith. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God should be rooted in humility and trust, rather than pride or self-reliance.
In daily life, this teaches us to approach God with openness and innocence, recognizing our dependence on Him. The moral lesson is clear: humility and trust are vital virtues. Let us embrace these qualities, allowing ourselves to receive God's grace with the simplicity and faith of a child.