Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 1, 2022

First Reading: 1 Peter 1.10-16

¹⁰Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care,¹¹trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.¹²It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.¹³Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.¹⁴As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.¹⁵But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do;¹⁶for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Psalm 98

Psalms

Chapter 98

¹Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.²The LORD has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.³He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to the house of Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.⁴Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;⁵make music to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,⁶with trumpets and the blast of the ram's horn- shout for joy before the LORD, the King.⁷Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.⁸Let the rivers clap their hands, Let the mountains sing together for joy;⁹let them sing before the LORD, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.

Gospel: Mark 10.28-31

Mark

Chapter 10

²⁸Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"²⁹"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel³⁰will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.³¹But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Sermon

In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the call to holiness. The First Reading from 1 Peter reminds us that the prophets of old searched diligently for the salvation that we now know through Christ. They ministered not for themselves but for us, and their work was guided by the Holy Spirit. Peter urges us to gird our minds, be sober, and hope fully in the grace revealed in Jesus Christ. This call to holiness is not about outward conformity but about living as sons and daughters of obedience, reflecting the Holiness of God in every aspect of our lives. The Gospel from Mark complements this message as Jesus responds to Peter's declaration of leaving everything to follow Him. Jesus assures the disciples that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded, not only in this life but also in the age to come. However, He also warns that many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. This reversal underscores the humility and selflessness required of those who follow Christ. True greatness in God's kingdom is measured by surrender, trust, and a willingness to embrace persecution for the sake of the Gospel. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that following Christ is not without cost. It demands letting go of our attachments and desires, trusting that God will provide far more than we could ever lose. The call to holiness is not about perfection but about living with intentionality, allowing the Spirit to transform us. May we embrace the sacrifices of discipleship with joy, knowing that they lead to eternal life. Let us strive to live as holy people, reflecting God's love and truth in every moment, and trust in His promise to reward our faithfulness beyond measure.