Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 24, 2024
First Reading: James 5.9-12
9Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!10Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.11As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.12Above all, my brothers, do not swear--not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
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 10.1-12
1Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.2Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"3"What did Moses command you?" he replied.4They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."5"It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied.6"But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'7'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,8and the two will become one flesh.' So they are no longer two, but one.9Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."10When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.11He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.12And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful teachings on fidelity and perseverance. The first reading from James encourages patience and honesty, while the Gospel from Mark emphasizes the sanctity of marriage.
James, addressing a community facing trials, urges believers to endure without complaint, using the prophets and Job as examples of steadfastness. He warns against swearing oaths, advocating for sincerity in speech. This reflects a call to live with integrity, trusting in God's mercy and compassion.
In Mark, Jesus teaches on the indissolubility of marriage, countering the Pharisees' questioning. He traces marriage back to God's original design, stressing that union between man and woman is sacred. Jesus extends this to remarriage after divorce, labeling it adultery, thus underscoring commitment and fidelity.
Both readings intersect on themes of endurance and fidelity. James focuses on our relationship with God and community, while Mark highlights marital commitment. Together, they call us to mirror God's faithfulness in all relationships, enduring trials with patience and upholding integrity in our commitments.
In daily life, this means nurturing relationships with perseverance and honesty. Our words should be truthful, and our commitments steadfast. The moral lesson is clear: embrace fidelity and integrity, reflecting God's faithfulness in all aspects of life. Let us strive to honor these teachings, living as faithful stewards of our relationships and commitments.