Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 17, 2021
First Reading: Exodus 12.37-42
37And the sons of Israel set out from Rameses to Soccoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides little ones38But also an innumerable mix of common people ascended with them, sheep and herds and animals of diverse kinds, exceedingly many39And they baked the bread, which a little while ago they had taken out of Egypt as dough. And they made unleavened bread baked under ashes. For it was not able to be leavened, with the Egyptians compelling them to leave and not permitting them to cause any delay. Neither did they have occasion to prepare any meat40Now the habitation of the sons of Israel, while they remained in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years41Having been completed, on the same day all the army of the Lord departed from the land of Egypt42This night is a worthy observance of the Lord, when he led them out of the land of Egypt. This all the sons of Israel must observe in their generations
Psalm 136
1Alleluia. Confess to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is eternal2Confess to the God of gods, for his mercy is eternal3Confess to the Lord of lords, for his mercy is eternal4He alone performs great miracles, for his mercy is eternal5He made the heavens with understanding, for his mercy is eternal6He established the earth above the waters, for his mercy is eternal7He made the great lights, for his mercy is eternal8the sun to rule the day, for his mercy is eternal9the moon and the stars to rule the night, for his mercy is eternal10He struck Egypt along with their first-born, for his mercy is eternal11He led Israel away from their midst, for his mercy is eternal12with a powerful hand and an outstretched arm, for his mercy is eternal13He divided the Red Sea into separate parts, for his mercy is eternal14And he led out Israel through the middle of it, for his mercy is eternal15And he shook off Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for his mercy is eternal16He led his people through the desert, for his mercy is eternal17He has struck great kings, for his mercy is eternal18And he has slaughtered strong kings, for his mercy is eternal19Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his mercy is eternal20and Og, king of Bashan, for his mercy is eternal21And he granted their land as an inheritance, for his mercy is eternal22as an inheritance for his servant Israel, for his mercy is eternal23For he was mindful of us in our humiliation, for his mercy is eternal24And he redeemed us from our enemies, for his mercy is eternal25He gives food to all flesh, for his mercy is eternal26Confess to the God of heaven, for his mercy is eternal. Confess to the Lord of lords, for his mercy is eternal
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
The first reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, marking the end of their 430-year sojourn. The text emphasizes the urgency of their exit, as they left with unleavened bread, unable to wait for it to rise. This moment is not just a historical event but a sacred observance, a night the Lord Himself led His people out of slavery. It is a reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of remembering His saving acts.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, aware of the Pharisees' plot against Him, withdrew and continued His ministry of healing. The passage is filled with quiet power, as Jesus avoids confrontation and instead fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of the gentle Messiah. He is the Servant who does not break the bruised reed or extinguish the smoldering wick, offering hope to all nations. This image contrasts sharply with the world's notion of power, revealing a Savior who triumphs through humility and compassion.
Both readings invite us to reflect on trust and hope. Like the Israelites, we are called to trust in God's providence, even in uncertain times. Jesus shows us that true strength lies not in dominance but in gentleness and mercy. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God's plan and to live with the humility and compassion of Christ, bringing hope to a world in need.