Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

• First Reading – Sirach 35:1-12: Observing God’s commandments and avoiding injustice are akin to making offerings to God, who rewards generously and fairly, without accepting dishonest gains.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 50: God calls His faithful, declaring that true sacrifice is praise and righteousness, not just offerings; to those who live rightly, He promises salvation.
• Gospel – Mark 10:28-31: Jesus promises that sacrifices made for His sake and the Gospel will be rewarded manifold in this life and with eternal life, although the first will be last and the last first.

We have given up everything and followed you.

Mark 10:28

The readings teach us valuable lessons about faith and actions. Let’s look into the themes that emerge from these scriptures.

• Reward for Obedience: Keeping God’s commandments brings blessings. When we follow God’s laws, He rewards us justly, as we see in Sirach.
• Value of Sacrifice: Sacrifices made for God are valuable. In Mark, Jesus says that giving up things for Him brings blessings now and forever.
• Justice in Giving: Giving should be done honestly. Sirach tells us that God does not accept offerings that come from dishonesty.
• Promise of Eternal Life: Following Jesus leads to eternal life. Jesus promises this to His followers as a reward for their faithfulness.
• Reversal of Roles: The last will be first, and the first last. Jesus teaches that God’s way of rewarding is different from the world’s way.

These messages guide us in living a life pleasing to God. They help us understand the importance of faith, honesty, and justice. Let these themes encourage us to act rightly and trust in God’s promises.

The readings for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 invite us to reflect on how our actions align with God’s will. They teach us that living justly is an offering to God, challenge us to embrace humility and service, and remind us of the generous blessings that come from sacrificing for the sake of Christ. These lessons encourage us to live with sincerity, selflessness, and trust in God’s promises.

Offering Justice and Obedience

The first reading from Sirach for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 reminds us that living justly and following God’s commands are like making offerings to Him. While physical sacrifices like offerings at the altar are meaningful, God values the sincerity of our daily actions even more.

When we live with honesty and integrity, we show our commitment to God. Choosing justice in our decisions and avoiding wrongdoing are ways of honoring Him. These actions speak louder than words, demonstrating our desire to follow His will.

Sirach encourages us to reflect on how our choices align with God’s expectations. Do we act fairly and with kindness toward others? By living in this way, we offer our lives as a form of worship, pleasing to God and reflecting His love in the world.

Embracing Humility and Service

In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus turns the world’s idea of success upside down. He says, “The first will be last, and the last will be first.” This challenges us to stop seeking power and recognition and instead live humbly and serve others.

Jesus promises that sacrifices made for His sake will be rewarded. However, He reminds us that these rewards are not about earthly wealth or status. True success comes from spiritual growth, loving others, and putting God’s will above our own ambitions.

This teaching encourages us to look at our own lives. Do we seek attention and approval, or do we focus on serving others with humility? Jesus calls us to a life where love and service matter more than worldly success.

God’s Generous Reward

Both Sirach and the Gospel for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1 highlight the generosity of God. Sirach assures us that God rewards those who live justly and follow His commands. The Gospel reinforces this by promising blessings to those who sacrifice for Jesus and the Gospel.

God’s rewards are not just material; they include peace, joy, and the promise of eternal life. These blessings come from living a life centered on faith and love. Sacrifices we make for God might seem hard at the time, but they lead to a deeper connection with Him and lasting happiness.

These readings remind us that God sees and values our efforts to live faithfully. When we place our trust in Him, we can rely on His generosity, knowing that He rewards those who seek Him with sincere hearts.

---

As we reflect on these teachings, may we strive to honor God in all that we do. Let us seek justice, choose humility, and trust in the rewards of following Him faithfully.

Prayer

Lord, help us to live justly and humbly, offering our lives to You through our actions. Teach us to serve others with love and to trust in Your promises. May we always seek Your will and rely on Your guidance in all that we do. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do your daily actions reflect your commitment to God’s will?
• In what ways can you focus less on worldly success and more on serving others?
• What sacrifices might God be calling you to make for His sake?
• How can you trust more deeply in God’s promises and rewards?

Word on Fire: The Radical Call and Reward

This reflection by Bishop Robert Barron for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time emphasizes the radicality and rewards of Jesus’ call to discipleship, transcending societal conventions. It reminds us that all individuals, regardless of their social standing, are invited to follow Jesus, as He alone can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts and lead us to the heavenly banquet.

What date is Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The next date is Tuesday March 4, 2025.

Cycle 1 is used in odd numbered years and Cycle 2 is used in even numbered years. The gospel is the same for both years. For even numbered years see Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 2.

What are the Mass readings for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1?

The Mass readings for Tuesday March 4, 2025 are:
First Reading  – Sirach 35:1-12: The Fruits of Righteous Offerings
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 50: The Promise of God’s Salvation
Gospel – Mark 10:28-31: The Reward of Sacrifice 

What does Sirach mean by saying that keeping the commandments is like making offerings?

In the readings for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Sirach teaches that living according to God’s laws is as valuable as giving offerings to God. This means our good actions are like gifts we give to God.

How can we apply the teachings from Sirach in our daily lives?

We can apply these teachings by being honest and fair in our actions every day. This pleases God just like offerings would.

What does Jesus promise to those who sacrifice for Him and the Gospel?

In the Gospel for Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time Cycle 1, Jesus promises that anyone who sacrifices for Him will receive many blessings now and eternal life in the future.

What does “the first will be last, and the last first” mean?

This phrase means that those who seem important now might not be important in God’s kingdom, and those who seem least important now might be the most important in heaven.

How should we view our sacrifices after reading Mark 10:28-31?

We should see our sacrifices as investments towards our future with God. Even if they seem hard now, they lead to greater rewards.

Why does God reject offerings that come from dishonesty?

God values honesty and justice. If offerings are made with dishonest intentions, they do not honor God.

How can we make sure our offerings to God are acceptable?

By ensuring our actions and intentions are pure and just. When we give to God or others, it should be done honestly.

What are practical ways to make sacrifices for the Gospel?

Practical ways include giving time to help others, sharing our resources with those in need, and standing up for what is right even when it’s hard.