Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 3, 2025

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 explore the themes of living virtuously and the challenges of wealth in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Sirach emphasizes acknowledging God's justice and judgment, urging us to stand firm in prayer and to confess our sins while we still can. It reminds us that human life is transient and that malice is fleeting. This wisdom literature, likely written for Jews in the second century BCE, encourages a life of virtue and maintaining a right relationship with God through moral living and prayer. The Gospel from Mark presents a man who, despite keeping the commandments, is called by Jesus to a deeper commitment—selling his possessions, giving to the poor, and following him. This encounter highlights the radical call of discipleship, challenging us to consider what attachments might hinder our relationship with God. Jesus' statement about the difficulty of the rich entering the kingdom of God underscores the idea that true discipleship requires more than outward observance; it demands a commitment to let go of worldly securities. Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to examine our own lives. What attachments—material or emotional—might be holding us back from fully following God? The readings encourage us to create space for God by embracing detachment and focusing on love, compassion, and service. The moral lesson here is that true discipleship is not just about following rules but about a radical commitment to live according to God's will, trusting in His providence. Let us strive to embrace this commitment, letting go of what is unnecessary and living a life of faith and service.