Catholic Mass Readings and Reflection March 04, 2025
8th Week in Ordinary Time
04th March 2025 (Tuesday)
Psalter: Week 4
Readings of the Day
First Reading: Sirach 35:1-12
To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfilment of the precepts. The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odour before the Most High. The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In a generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. For he is a God of justice, who knows no favourites.
Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23 (R. 23b)
R/. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 10:28-31
Peter began to say to Jesus, ‘We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
Tuesday – 8th Week in Ordinary Time
Main Point: Being goal-oriented is a great positive force amidst all the odds and struggles in reaching that goal. The urge for reaching the target can surge one ahead with renewed determination
In today’s gospel, we find a reference in contrast to the rich young man of yesterday. Jesus lovingly invited him, Leave everything and come and follow me. But the man goes away disappointed. On the contrary, Peter and co. had left everything and they followed the Lord. Peter wants to show this contrast and so says, “See, we have left everything and followed you”.
This statement of Peter can imply different things. One, the disciples are a clear contrast to the rich young man. Second, it affirms that they have left everything and followed him as called by him. The third, it seeks to be assured of the fruit and the reward for their sacrifice. It seeks answers to the questions such as, what will be the effect? What will they gain in return? Is it worthwhile?
In fact, Jesus had already given the answer to the rich man, saying, “You will have treasure in heaven”. And from the context, it is very clear that following the Lord would gain entry into the kingdom of God and inherit eternal life. Why then, does Peter still seek an answer? It can be for reassurance and confirmation.
Knowing the result and the reward as a teaching is one thing but receiving a personal assurance is another thing. We need not see anything wrong in Peter’s affirmation. There is nothing wrong with seeking assurances and confirmations at times. They can deepen one’s hope. They can strengthen one’s faith. They can ignite one’s courage and commitment. They can work as triggers and impetus for continued fidelity. They can work as “pain killers” in testing times.
Further, Peter’s affirmation also does great good for us. It makes Jesus declare clearly what happens if we follow him. We are assured that our reward is abundant and is double. Already we will receive a hundredfold here and now in the extended new “Kingdom family”. This will be in the form of riches and relationships as stewards and brothers and sisters. Further, we will receive eternal life thereafter.
My Practice: True it is that the following of the Lord and living a truly Christian life is not easy. It involves a lot of trials and suffering. But it is not a futile enterprise. It is highly rewarding!
