Sirach 2:1-22, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40, Mark 9:30-37

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS
Sirach 2:1-22, Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40, Mark 9:30-37

http://www.bibleclaret.org/bibles/english.htm

Sirach 2:1-22

How well the writer speaks of You my Lord and how God is always faithful to those who trust in Him and place all their hope in Him.  While it is true that those who have given their lives to You often face trials and persecution  these only serve to purify us and strengthen our faith in You. If we are steadfast and cling to You all the days of our life, You will reward us in the life to come when we will rejoice in Your Presence wit the angelic hosts and the Saints.

Psalm 37:3-4, 18-19, 27-28, 39-40

My Beloved, You who are my cup and my portion, You who are my God and my King, You who satisfies every desire and slakes my thirst, I adore You.  You are my joy and my delight.  In You is my happiness and good.  With You and in You I possess all things.  In times of difficulty and hardship You provide the grace through Your sacraments.  Through them I am able to cling even more closely to You.  Your healing grace and Your consoling loves flows in e enabling me to be still and quiet in You until the storm has passed.

Thank You for reminding that I must spend my days doing good and avoiding evil in every way for You are a God of justice and You hear the cry of Your faithful ones.  Grant O Lord that I am not be counted among the wicked lest I perish.  Save me Lord from the oppression of sin and from the tyranny of the flesh.  Save me Lord as I take refuge in You.  Help me Lord for I have recourse to none but You.

Mark 9:30-37

My Beloved, You will hide from those who run after You only to seek and obtain favors but have no desire for a loving, personal relationship with You.  But You will teach Your disciples to love God and neighbor.  You will help form them in Your image, You will enable them  to understand that if they are to be true disciples they must be prepared to lay down their lives for Your sake just as You lay down Your life for theirs.  There is always a resurrection and if we die with You will will rise again with You.

It is in the kingdom of the world that we lord it over each other, choosing the best place and pushing anyone who gets in our way.  But Your way is different.  It is the way of service.  We see here again a Gospel 

contradiction, in seeking the first place we will be placed last.  

Unless all God's children find a welcome in me I shall never be pleasing to You my Beloved.  It is only when I embrace the children of God and love them that I will discover that I have loved You and welcomed You and in doing so I have welcomed the God of Love.  Help me Lord!