Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 31, 2024
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 are invited to reflect on the theme of seeking and valuing spiritual treasures, even amidst challenges and sacrifices. The first reading from Jeremiah presents a prophet in distress, expressing his lament and struggle with his mission. Jeremiah feels the weight of his calling, facing opposition and sorrow, yet he finds solace in God's word. His initial despair turns to hope as God offers him a path of return, promising strength and redemption. This transformation from lament to trust underscores the human experience of struggling with faith, yet ultimately relying on God's providence.
The Gospel parables from Matthew further illuminate this theme. The treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great value symbolize the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that true spiritual wealth requires sacrifice and dedication. These parables teach us that seeking God's kingdom is not a casual endeavor but a commitment that may demand letting go of worldly attachments. Just as the man and the merchant in the parables give up everything for their treasures, we are called to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when faced with difficulties. Like Jeremiah, we may encounter struggles, but through prayer and faith, we can find strength. The parables remind us to seek spiritual richness with the same dedication as the merchant seeking pearls. Let us embrace our faith journey with hope and determination, trusting that our efforts will lead us to the true treasure of God's kingdom.