Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 1, 2022
First Reading: Jeremiah 28.1-17
1In that same year, at the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fifth month of the fourth year, Hananiah the son of Azzur, the prophet from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the LORD, in the presence of the priests and all the people, saying,2"Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon.3Within two years I will bring back to this place all the vessels of the LORD's house, which Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon took away from this place and carried to Babylon.4I will also bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and all the exiles from Judah who went to Babylon, declares the LORD, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon."5Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD,6and the prophet Jeremiah said, "Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles.7Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people.8The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms.9As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet."10Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke-bars from the neck of Jeremiah the prophet and broke them.11And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, "Thus says the LORD: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon from the neck of all the nations within two years." But Jeremiah the prophet went his way.12Sometime after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke-bars from off the neck of Jeremiah the prophet, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:13"Go, tell Hananiah, 'Thus says the LORD: You have broken wooden bars, but you have made in their place bars of iron.14For thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: I have put upon the neck of all these nations an iron yoke to serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they shall serve him, for I have given to him even the beasts of the field.'"15And Jeremiah the prophet said to the prophet Hananiah, "Listen, Hananiah, the LORD has not sent you, and you have made this people trust in a lie.16Therefore thus says the LORD: 'Behold, I will remove you from the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have uttered rebellion against the LORD.'"17In that same year, in the seventh month, the prophet Hananiah died.
Psalm 119
1Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!2Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart,3who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!4You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.5Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!6Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.7I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.8I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!Beth9How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word.10With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!11I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.12Blessed are you, O LORD; teach me your statutes!13With my lips I declare all the rules of your mouth.14In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.15I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.16I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.Gimel17Deal bountifully with your servant, that I may live and keep your word.18Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.19I am a sojourner on the earth; hide not your commandments from me!20My soul is consumed with longing for your rules at all times.21You rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from your commandments.22Take away from me scorn and contempt, for I have kept your testimonies.23Even though princes sit plotting against me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.24Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.Daleth25My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word!26When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!27Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.28My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!29Put false ways far from me and graciously teach me your law!30I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.31I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!32I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my heart! He33Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.34Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.35Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.36Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain!37Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.38Confirm to your servant your promise, that you may be feared.39Turn away the reproach that I dread, for your rules are good.40Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!Waw41Let your steadfast love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;42then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules.44I will keep your law continually, forever and ever,45and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.46I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame,47for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.48I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.Zayin49Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.50This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.51The insolent utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.52When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.53Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.54Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning.55I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.56This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.Heth57The LORD is my portion; I promise to keep your words.58I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.59When I think on my ways, I turn my feet to your testimonies;60I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments.61Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me, I do not forget your law.62At midnight I rise to praise you, because of your righteous rules.63I am a companion of all who fear you, of those who keep your precepts.64The earth, O LORD, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!Teth65You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word.66Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.68You are good and do good; teach me your statutes.69The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts;70their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law.71It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.72The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.Yodh73Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.74Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word.75I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.76Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.77Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.78Let the insolent be put to shame, because they have wronged me with falsehood; as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.79Let those who fear you turn to me, that they may know your testimonies.80May my heart be blameless in your statutes, that I may not be put to shame!Kaph81My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.82My eyes long for your promise; I ask, "When will you comfort me?"83For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.84How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?85The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.86All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!87They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.88In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.Lamedh89Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.90Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.91By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.92If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.93I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.94I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts.95The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies.96I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.Mem97Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.98Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me.99I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.100I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.101I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.102I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me.103How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!104Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.Nun105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.106I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules.107I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!108Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules.109I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law.110The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.111Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.112I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end. Samekh113I hate the double-minded, but I love your law.114You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.115Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.116Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope!117Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually!118You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain.119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies.120My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments.Ayin121I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.122Give your servant a pledge of good; let not the insolent oppress me.123My eyes long for your salvation and for the fulfillment of your righteous promise.124Deal with your servant according to your steadfast love, and teach me your statutes.125I am your servant; give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies!126It is time for the LORD to act, for your law has been broken.127Therefore I love your commandments above gold, above fine gold.128Therefore I consider all your precepts to be right; I hate every false way.Pe129Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them.130The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.131I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments.132Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name.133Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me.134Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts.135Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes.136My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law.Tsadhe137Righteous are you, O LORD, and right are your rules.138You have appointed your testimonies in righteousness and in all faithfulness.139My zeal consumes me, because my foes forget your words.140Your promise is well tried, and your servant loves it.141I am small and despised, yet I do not forget your precepts.142Your righteousness is righteous forever, and your law is true.143Trouble and anguish have found me out, but your commandments are my delight.144Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.Qoph145With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O LORD! I will keep your statutes.146I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.147I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words.148My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.149Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.150They draw near who persecute me with evil purpose; they are far from your law.151But you are near, O LORD, and all your commandments are true.152Long have I known from your testimonies that you have founded them forever.Resh153Look on my affliction and deliver me, for I do not forget your law.154Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!155Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek your statutes.156Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.157Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, but I do not swerve from your testimonies.158I look at the faithless with disgust, because they do not keep your commands.159Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love.160The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.Sin and Shin161Princes persecute me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.162I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil.163I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your law.164Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous rules.165Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.166I hope for your salvation, O LORD, and I do your commandments.167My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly.168I keep your precepts and testimonies, for all my ways are before you.Taw169Let my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word!170Let my plea come before you; deliver me according to your word.171My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes.172My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.173Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.174I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.175Let my soul live and praise you, and let your rules help me.176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commandments.
Gospel: Matthew 14.13-21
13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.14When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.15Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves."16But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."17They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish."18And he said, "Bring them here to me."19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.20And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and God's providence. The first reading from Jeremiah describes a confrontation between the prophet Jeremiah and Hananiah, a false prophet who falsely claims that the yoke of Babylon will be broken within two years. Jeremiah, guided by God, counters this by explaining that Hananiah's words are not from the Lord, emphasizing that true prophecy must be tested by time and fidelity to God's word. This passage underscores the importance of discernment and trust in God's timing, even when faced with false assurances.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a different scenario, one of abundance and divine provision. Jesus, moved by compassion for the crowds, multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. This miracle is not just about meeting physical needs but also about trusting in God's providence. Just as the disciples initially saw only scarcity, we often focus on our limitations. Yet, Jesus shows that even the smallest offerings, when surrendered to God, can yield extraordinary results.
Together, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan and timing. Like Jeremiah, we must discern between true and false promises, remaining faithful even when the future seems uncertain. Like the disciples, we are called to trust that God can multiply our efforts and resources beyond our imagination. In our daily lives, this means surrendering our anxieties and limitations to God, trusting that He will provide in ways we cannot foresee. May we cultivate the patience and faith to trust in His providence, knowing that He is always at work, even when we cannot see the full picture.