Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 18, 2020
First Reading: Micah 2.1-5
1Woe to you who devise useless things and who work evil in your beds. In the morning light, they undertake it, because their hand is against God2And they have desired fields and have taken them by violence, and they have stolen houses. And they have made false accusations against a man and his house, a man and his inheritance3For this reason, thus says the Lord: Behold, I devise an evil against this family, from which you will not steal away your necks. And you will not walk in arrogance, because this is a most wicked time4In that day, a parable will be taken up about you, and a song will be sung with sweetness, saying: "We have been devastated by depopulation." The fate of my people has been altered. How can he withdraw from me, when he might be turned back, he who might tear apart our country5Because of this, there will be for you no casting of the cord of fate in the assembly of the Lord
Psalm 10
1So then, why, O Lord, have you withdrawn far away? Why have you overlooked us in opportunity, in tribulation2While the impious is arrogant, the poor is enflamed. They are held by the counsels that they devise3For the sinner is praised by the desires of his soul, and the iniquitous is blessed4The sinner has provoked the Lord; according to the multitude of his wrath, he will not seek him5God is not before his sight. His ways are stained at all times. Your judgments are removed from his face. He will be master of all his enemies6For he has said in his heart, "I will not be disturbed: from generation to generation without evil.7His mouth is full of curses, and bitterness, and deceit. Under his tongue are hardship and sorrow8He sits in ambush, with resources in hidden places, so that he may execute the innocent9His eyes catch sight of the poor. He lies in ambush, in hiding like a lion in his den. He lies in ambush, so that he may seize the poor, to seize the poor as he draws him in10With his snare, he will bring him down. He will crouch down and pounce, when he has power over the poor11For he has said in his heart, "God has forgotten, he has turned away his face, lest he see to the end.12O Lord God, rise up. Let your hand be exalted. Do not forget the poor13How has the impious one provoked God? For he has said in his heart, "He will not inquire.14You do see, for you examine hardship and sorrow, so that you may deliver them into your hands. The poor one has been abandoned to you. You will be a helper to the orphan15Break the arm of the sinner and the malicious. His sin will be sought, and it will not be found16The Lord shall reign in eternity, even forever and ever. You will perish the Gentiles from his land17The Lord has heeded the desire of the poor. Your ear has listened to the preparation of their heart18so as to judge for the orphan and the humble, so that man may no longer presume to magnify himself upon the earth
Gospel: Matthew 12.14-21
14Then the Pharisees, departing, took council against him, as to how they might destroy him15But Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he cured them all16And he instructed them, lest they make him known17Then what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled, saying18"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will place my Spirit over him, and he shall announce judgment to the nations19He shall not contend, nor cry out, neither shall anyone hear his voice in the streets20He shall not crush the bruised reed, and he shall not extinguish the smoking wick, until he sends forth judgment unto victory21And the Gentiles shall hope in his name.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes: the condemnation of injustice and the fulfillment of prophecy through humble service. The first reading from Micah addresses a society steeped in greed and oppression, where the powerful seize land and homes, leaving devastation in their wake. Micah's prophecy warns of impending judgment, a time when arrogance will fall, and the people will recognize the error of their ways. This reading serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting justice and compassion.
In contrast, the Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus as the embodiment of humility and gentle strength. Despite the Pharisees' plots against him, Jesus continues his ministry of healing and teaching, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of a servant who brings hope without fanfare. Jesus's actions exemplify a different kind of power—one rooted in love and service rather than coercion or dominance. This passage invites us to reflect on how we exercise power and influence in our own lives.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our values and actions. Micah's warning against exploitation and Jesus's example of selfless service call us to live with integrity, to stand up for justice, and to trust in God's plan. In a world often driven by greed and ambition, we are reminded that true greatness lies in humility and compassion. As we navigate our daily lives, may we strive to follow Jesus's example, bringing light and hope to those around us.