Daily Catholic Mass Readings for March 4, 2025
First Reading: Sirach 35.1-15
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Psalm 50
1The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.2From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.3Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages.4He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:5"Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice."6And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah7"Hear, O my people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God.8I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which are ever before me.9I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens,10for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.11I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.12If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.13Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?14Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High,15and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me."16But to the wicked, God says: "What right have you to recite my laws or take my covenant on your lips?17You hate my instruction and cast my words behind you.18When you see a thief, you join with him; you throw in your lot with adulterers.19You use your mouth for evil and harness your tongue to deceit.20You speak continually against your brother and slander your own mother's son.21These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face.22"Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue:23He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God."
Gospel: Mark 10.28-31
28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life.31But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of faith, commitment, and the rewards of living a virtuous life. The First Reading from Sirach emphasizes the importance of living according to God's commandments and the value of acts of mercy and justice. It reminds us that our offerings to God, whether through prayer, sacrifice, or acts of charity, are pleasing to Him when done with a sincere and generous heart. The Gospel from Mark, on the other hand, highlights the radical commitment required of those who follow Jesus. Peter and the other disciples have left everything behind to follow Christ, and Jesus assures them that their sacrifices will be abundantly rewarded, both in this life and in the life to come.
The readings are connected by the theme of surrender and trust in God's providence. Sirach teaches us that living a life of integrity and generosity is not just a duty but a way of expressing our love and gratitude to God. Mark's Gospel takes this a step further, showing that true discipleship requires us to let go of our attachments and trust that God will provide for us in ways we cannot yet imagine. Both readings encourage us to live with faith and courage, knowing that our efforts to follow God's will, though sometimes difficult, are ultimately fruitful.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded that our faith is not just about what we believe but also about how we live. We are called to be generous with our time, talents, and resources, trusting that God will multiply our efforts and bless us in ways we cannot see. Let us strive to live with integrity, to act with compassion, and to trust in God's promise that our sacrifices will bear fruit. May we, like the disciples, be willing to leave behind what holds us back and follow Jesus with courage and hope, knowing that eternal life awaits those who remain faithful.