Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 31, 2024
First Reading: Jeremiah 15.10, 16-21
10Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?19Therefore thus says the LORD: "If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.20And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD.21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."
Psalm 59
1Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; protect me from those who rise up against me;2deliver me from those who work evil, and save me from bloodthirsty men.3For behold, they lie in wait for my life; fierce men stir up strife against me. For no transgression or sin of mine, O LORD,4for no fault of mine, they run and make ready. Awake, come to meet me, and see!5You, LORD God of hosts, are God of Israel. Rouse yourself to punish all the nations; spare none of those who treacherously plot evil. Selah6Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.7There they are, bellowing with their mouths with swords in their lips--for "Who," they think, "will hear us?"8But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you hold all the nations in derision.9O my Strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress.10My God in his steadfast love will meet me; God will let me look in triumph on my enemies.11Kill them not, lest my people forget; make them totter by your power and bring them down, O Lord, our shield!12For the sin of their mouths, the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride. For the cursing and lies that they utter,13consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, that they may know that God rules over Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah14Each evening they come back, howling like dogs and prowling about the city.15They wander about for food and growl if they do not get their fill.16But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress.17O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love.
Gospel: Matthew 13.44-46
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and 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.