Daily Readings - Sat Jul 20 2024
Micah
1Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand.2They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.3Therefore thus says the LORD: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster.4In that day they shall take up a taunt song against you and moan bitterly, and say, "We are utterly ruined; he changes the portion of my people; how he removes it from me! To an apostate he allots our fields."5Therefore you will have none to cast the line by lot in the assembly of the LORD.
Matthew
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 readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of justice and compassion. In Micah, we hear a prophetic warning against those who engage in oppression and injustice. The prophet condemns the powerful who exploit the vulnerable, stealing their land and homes. He warns that such actions will lead to ruin, as God will not tolerate injustice forever. This passage calls us to recognize the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting the weak.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus embodying a different approach to justice. Despite the Pharisees plotting against Him, Jesus chooses not to confront them directly. Instead, He continues His healing ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of a gentle servant who brings hope to all. Jesus' approach is one of compassion and non-violence, showing that true justice is not about power but about care for the marginalized. His example teaches us that justice should be tempered with mercy and humility.
These readings challenge us to live justly and compassionately. Like Micah, we must stand against oppression and arrogance. Like Jesus, we must approach justice with gentleness and care for the weak. In our daily lives, let us strive to follow Jesus' example, working for justice in a way that reflects His love and humility. May we be instruments of God's peace and hope in a world that often prioritizes power over people.