Daily Readings - Tue Feb 21 2023
Mark
30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were,31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise."32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.33They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?"34But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.35Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all."36He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them,37"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust in God’s providence, humility, and selfless service. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that true wisdom lies in enduring trials with patience and faith, believing that God’s plan is at work even in the midst of suffering. The author encourages us to embrace humility and perseverance, trusting that God will restore and reward those who remain faithful. This passage is part of a larger section in Sirach that emphasizes the importance of living virtuously and trusting in God’s wisdom, even when life’s challenges seem overwhelming.
In the Gospel, Mark presents Jesus teaching his disciples about his impending passion and resurrection, but they fail to understand. Their confusion leads to an argument about who is the greatest among them. Jesus responds by teaching them that true greatness lies in humility and service. He uses a child as an example, emphasizing that receiving the vulnerable and the weak with love is equivalent to receiving Christ himself. This passage is part of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, where he repeatedly emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the necessity of living with humility and compassion.
Together, these readings call us to re-examine our priorities and our relationship with God and others. Sirach reminds us to trust in God’s plan, even when the road is difficult, while Mark’s Gospel challenges us to embrace humility and serve others selflessly. In our daily lives, we are invited to let go of our need for control and recognition, and instead, to trust in God’s providence and to love and serve those around us, especially the most vulnerable. May we strive to live with the humility and faith that these readings inspire, trusting that God’s mercy and love will guide us through every trial.