The lectionary reading for today highlights the importance of actions consistent with God’s character and purposes for the world.
This aligns with the teachings of James, who writes: “But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves” (James 1:22).
The lectionary can be found here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030425.cfm.
Reading 1 – Sirach 35:1-12
The passage from Sirach emphasizes actions that align with God’s character, highlighting their greater value compared to costly sacrifices.
- The one who keeps the law makes many offerings.
- One who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.
- The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour.
- One who gives alms [cares for the vulnerable] sacrifices a thank offering.
- To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord.
- Give to the Most High as he has given to you
and as generously as you can afford. (Sirach 35:1-5, 12)
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23
In Psalm 50, God delivers a speech that judges his people’s worship and behavior. The main point of this speech is that their behavior does not match what they profess in worship.
But to the wicked God says,
“What right have you to recite my statutes
or take my covenant on your lips?
For you hate discipline,
and you cast my words behind you.
You make friends with a thief when you see one,
and you keep company with adulterers.
These things you have done, and I have been silent;
you thought that I was one just like yourself. (Psalm 50:16-18)
“The trouble with the wicked is that they quote the rules but ignore the commands. They say they belong to God, but they won’t follow his instructions.
“Disciples need to be disciplined. God’s servants must bring their stubbornness and selfishness under the control of their promise to God” (James L Mays).
They misinterpreted God’s patience, believing it signaled acceptance of their actions, but God’s patience was aimed at prompting their repentance.
In our prayers today, let’s use the reading from Sirach to take stock of our spiritual condition. We definitely want to avoid the judgment mentioned in Psalm 50.
Alleluia – Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants” (Matthew 11:25).
Gospel – Mark 10:28-31
I was born on third base and didn’t hit a triple. Other people have been born with three strikes against them and somehow had to strive to get on base.
Jesus tells us that many of the first place finishers on earth may end up being last, while some of the last place finishers are going to be first.
“But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first” (Mark 10:31).
Let’s remember this as we pray about aligning our lives with God’s character and purpose.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed the account of Sarah’s death and Abraham’s purchase of a family burial plot from the Hittites in Genesis chapter 23.
Real Voices 