Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 4, 2019

First Reading: Sirach 17.24-27, 29

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Psalm 32

¹Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.²Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.³When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.⁴For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah⁵Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD "- and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah⁶Therefore let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise, they will not reach him.⁷You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah⁸I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.⁹Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.¹⁰Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.¹¹Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Gospel: Mark 10.17-27

Mark

Chapter 10

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 are invited to reflect on the essence of a life lived in harmony with God’s will. The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the importance of acknowledging God’s justice and maintaining a steadfast commitment to prayer and confession. It urges us to live virtuously, recognizing that true life is found in praising God and trusting in His mercy. This wisdom literature offers practical guidance on moral living, emphasizing the need for humility and gratitude. The Gospel from Mark presents a vivid challenge through the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man. The man’s question about inheriting eternal life leads Jesus to highlight the difficulty of entering the kingdom of God when one is attached to wealth. Jesus’ response is not a call for all to sell their possessions, but rather an invitation to examine where our hearts lie. This teaching underscores the theme of detachment, urging us to trust in God’s providence over material security. These readings intersect in their call to live a life oriented towards God. Sirach’s emphasis on prayer and confession lays the groundwork for the kind of spiritual detachment Jesus speaks about. In our daily lives, we are challenged to assess our priorities. Are we allowing material comforts to hinder our spiritual growth? Let us consider how we can follow Jesus more closely, perhaps by letting go of some attachments and trusting in God’s plan. The moral lesson here is clear: our hearts must be free to follow God, recognizing that true wealth lies in our relationship with Him.