Daily Readings - Mon Mar 03 2025
Mark
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.