Daily Readings - Thu Feb 27 2025
Mark
41I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck.43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.44Verse omitted from the New International Version45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.46Verse omitted from the New International Version47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,48where "'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.'49Everyone will be salted with fire.50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of vigilance against sin and the importance of community care. The first reading from Sirach cautions against complacency and self-reliance, urging us to avoid unjust pursuits and not delay conversion. It emphasizes God's patience but also His just judgment. The Gospel from Mark reinforces this with Jesus' teachings, using strong metaphors to highlight the seriousness of sin and the need to protect others from stumbling.
Both readings, while distinct, share a common thread—sin's gravity and the need for mindfulness. Sirach focuses on individual accountability, while Mark extends this to our impact on others, stressing the communal aspect of faith. Jesus' hyperbole about cutting off offending limbs underscores the radical commitment required to avoid sin and protect the community.
Applying this to daily life, we are reminded to reflect on our actions and their effects on others. The moral lesson is clear: sin is serious, and our choices have consequences. We must strive for self-awareness and a commitment to community, ensuring our actions foster a supportive and holy environment. Let us embrace this call to vigilance and care, seeking to live with integrity and compassion.