Daily Mass Readings – Monday, 28 February 2028

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy hath regenerated us unto a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 Unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that can not fade, reserved in heaven for you,

5 Who, by the power of God, are kept by faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein you shall greatly rejoice, if now you must be for a little time made sorrowful in divers temptations:

7 That the trial of your faith (much more precious than gold which is tried by the fire) may be found unto praise and glory and honour at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

8 Whom having not seen, you love: in whom also now, though you see him not, you believe: and believing shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorified;

9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or

R. Alleluia.

1 I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; in the council of the just: and in the congregation.

2 Great are the works of the Lord: sought out according to all his wills.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or

R. Alleluia.

5 He hath given food to them that fear him. He will be mindful for ever of his covenant:

6 He will shew forth to his people the power of his works.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or

R. Alleluia.

9 He hath sent redemption to his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever. Holy and terrible is his name:

10c His praise continueth for ever and ever.

R. The Lord will remember his covenant for ever.

or

R. Alleluia.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

9 Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

17 And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting?

18 And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God.

19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother.

20 But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth.

21 And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.

22 Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God!

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God?

25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

26 Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved?

27 And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God.

The Lord’s covenant gives his people a hope that cannot perish, fade, or be taken away. Even when faith is tested, God remains mindful of his promise, and the trial itself can reveal whether our hearts rest in him. We love Christ though we do not see him, trusting that salvation is worth more than anything the world can offer.

The rich man in the Gospel has kept the commandments, yet Jesus looks upon him with love and shows him the attachment that still holds him: his possessions. Christ, who became poor though he was rich, calls him to give to the poor and follow. The sorrowful departure reveals how difficult it can be to release what seems to secure our lives. This word reaches beyond money. Whatever we cling to more firmly than God can become an obstacle to freedom. We cannot save ourselves by effort alone; Jesus says that what is impossible for us is possible with God. His grace can turn possessiveness into generosity and fear into trust, so that our treasure truly rests in heaven.

Lord Jesus, you look upon us with love and know every attachment that keeps us from following you freely. Strengthen our faith when it is tested, and keep before us the inheritance you have prepared, which cannot fade. Teach us to trust your covenant more than possessions, status, or security. Give us generous hearts toward the poor and courage to surrender whatever competes with your place in our lives. When obedience seems impossible, remind us that all things are possible with God. May our love for you deepen even when we do not see you, until our hope becomes joy. Amen.