Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading
1 Peter 1:3-9
Although you have not seen him, you love him; you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
Commentary:
- Living Hope: Grounded in Christ's resurrection, believers are granted a living hope that transcends earthly circumstances.
- Imperishable Inheritance: They inherit a secure and unfading treasure in heaven, safeguarded by God's power.
- Divine Protection: Through faith, believers are shielded by God, ensuring their preservation until Christ's return.
- Purpose in Trials: Trials refine their faith, demonstrating its genuineness and leading to praise and honor at Christ's revelation.
- Joyful Response: Despite not seeing Christ, believers respond with love and faith, experiencing inexpressible joy rooted in the reality of His resurrection and the promise of salvation.
1 Peter 1:3-9 illuminates the profound hope and assurance found in the Christian faith. Grounded in Christ's resurrection, believers inherit an imperishable treasure in heaven and are shielded by God's power through faith. Despite trials, their genuine faith leads to praise and honor at Christ's revelation, inspiring a joyful response rooted in love and faith.
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Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 and 10c
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or
Alleluia.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart
in the company and assembly of the just.
Great are the works of the LORD,
exquisite in all their delights.
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or
Alleluia.
He has given food to those who fear him;
he will forever be mindful of his covenant.
He has made known to his people the power of his works,
giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or
Alleluia.
He has sent deliverance to his people;
he has ratified his covenant forever;
holy and awesome is his name.
His praise endures forever.
The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.
or
Alleluia.
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Gospel Acclamation
2 Corinthians 8:9
Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich,
so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Alleluia, alleluia.
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Gospel
Mark 10:17-27
Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor.
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
Commentary:
- Seeking Eternal Life: A wealthy young man approaches Jesus with a question about inheriting eternal life.
- Radical Challenge: Jesus instructs him to sell his possessions and follow Him, testing his commitment to discipleship.
- Wealth as a Hurdle: Jesus teaches that wealth can hinder entry into the kingdom of God, emphasizing the difficulty for the rich to fully surrender to Him.
- Dependency on Divine Grace: Salvation requires divine intervention, highlighting the impossibility of achieving it through human effort alone.
- Sacrifice and Reward: Jesus contrasts worldly wealth with spiritual treasure, affirming that sacrificing temporal riches for the kingdom leads to eternal life.
In conclusion, Mark 10:17-27 presents a profound lesson on the challenges of wealth and discipleship. It underscores the radical demands of following Jesus, highlighting the difficulty for the rich to fully surrender to Him. Salvation is depicted as dependent on divine grace rather than human effort alone. The passage prompts reflection on the contrast between worldly riches and spiritual treasure, emphasizing the eternal reward of sacrificing earthly wealth for the kingdom.
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