Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 1, 2018
First Reading: Jeremiah 15.10, 16-21
10"O my mother, woe to me! Why did you conceive me, a man of strife, a man of discord to all the earth? I have not lent money at interest, nor has anyone lent money at interest to me. Yet everyone is cursing me.16I discovered your words and I consumed them. And your word became to me as the gladness and joy of my heart. For your name has been invoked over me, O Lord, the God of hosts17I did not sit in the company of mockers, nor did I glorify myself before the presence of your hand. I sat alone, because you filled me with threats18Why has my sorrow become never-ending, and why has my wound become so dire that it refuses to be cured? It has become for me like the deception of untrustworthy waters.19Because of this, thus says the Lord: "If you will be converted, I will convert you. And you will stand before my face. And you will separate what is precious from what is vile. You will be my mouthpiece. They will be converted to you, but you will not be converted to them20And I will present you to this people as a strong wall of brass. And they will fight against you, and they will not prevail. For I am with you, so as to save you and to rescue you, says the Lord21And I will free you from hand of those who are most wicked, and I will redeem you from the hand of the powerful.
Psalm 59
1Unto the end. May you not destroy. Of David, with the inscription of a title, when Saul sent and watched his house, in order to execute him. Rescue me from my enemies, my God, and free me from those who rise up against me2Rescue me from those who work iniquity, and save me from men of blood3For behold, they have seized my soul. The strong have rushed upon me4And it is neither my iniquity, nor my sin, O Lord. I have run and gone directly, without iniquity5Rise up to meet me, and see: even you, O Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel. Reach out to visit all nations. Do not take pity on all those who work iniquity6They will return toward evening, and they will suffer hunger like dogs, and they will wander around the city7Behold, they will speak with their mouth, and a sword is in their lips: "For who has heard us?8And you, O Lord, will laugh at them. You will lead all the Gentiles to nothing9I will guard my strength toward you, for you are God, my supporter10My God, his mercy will precede me11God will oversee my enemies for me. Do not slay them, lest at times my people may forget them. Scatter them by your virtue. And depose them, O Lord, my protector12by the offense of their mouth and by the speech of their lips. And may they be caught in their arrogance. And, for their cursing and lying, they will be made know13at the consummation, in the fury of the consummation, and so they will be no more. And they will know that God will rule over Jacob, even to the ends of the earth14They will return toward evening, and they will suffer hunger like dogs, and they will wander around the city15They will be dispersed in order to gnaw, and truly, when they will not have been satisfied, they will murmur16But I will sing your strength, and I will extol your mercy, in the morning. For you have been my supporter and my refuge in the day of my tribulation17To you, my helper, I will sing psalms. For you are God, my supporter. My God is my mercy
Gospel: Matthew 13.44-46
44The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man finds it, he hides it, and, because of his joy, he goes and sells everything that he has, and he buys that field45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking good pearls46Having found one pearl of great value, he went away and sold all that he had, and he bought it
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on commitment and the pursuit of spiritual treasure. The prophet Jeremiah expresses his deep sorrow and isolation, feeling the weight of his mission from God. Despite his struggles and the persecution he faces, God assures him of protection and redemption, urging him to remain faithful. This passage highlights Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to his divine calling, even amidst adversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven. The first compares it to a hidden treasure, which a man finds and, with great joy, sacrifices everything to possess. The second likens it to a merchant seeking a pearl of great value, who sells all he has to acquire it. These parables emphasize the immense value of spiritual life, urging us to prioritize the Kingdom above all else.
Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to evaluate our own commitments and priorities. Like Jeremiah, we may face challenges in our faith journey, but trust in God's presence and guidance is essential. The parables remind us that seeking spiritual treasure requires sacrifice and dedication. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments to deepen our relationship with God? May we find the courage to commit fully to our faith, trusting that the spiritual riches we gain will far outweigh any earthly possessions.