Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 17, 2021
First Reading: Exodus 12.37-42
37And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.38A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.39And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.40The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years.41At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.42It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.
Psalm 136
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.2Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.3Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever;4to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;5to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;6to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;7to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;8the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;9the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;10to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt, for his steadfast love endures forever;11and brought Israel out from among them, for his steadfast love endures forever;12with a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for his steadfast love endures forever;13to him who divided the Red Sea in two, for his steadfast love endures forever;14and made Israel pass through the midst of it, for his steadfast love endures forever;15but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for his steadfast love endures forever;16to him who led his people through the wilderness, for his steadfast love endures forever;17to him who struck down great kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;18and killed mighty kings, for his steadfast love endures forever;19Sihon, king of the Amorites, for his steadfast love endures forever;20and Og, king of Bashan, for his steadfast love endures forever;21and gave their land as a heritage, for his steadfast love endures forever;22a heritage to Israel his servant, for his steadfast love endures forever.23It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever;24and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever;25he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.26Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Gospel: Matthew 12.14-21
14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.15Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all16and ordered them not to make him known.17This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:18"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.19He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;20a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;21and in his name the Gentiles will hope."
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.