Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 31, 2025
First Reading: Exodus 40.16-21, 34-38
16This Moses did; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did.17In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.18Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars.19And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the LORD had commanded Moses.20He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark.21And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the LORD had commanded Moses.34Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.35And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out.37But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up.38For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
Psalm 84
1How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!2My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.3Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.4Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah5Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.6As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.7They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.8O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah9Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!10For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.12O LORD of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!
Gospel: Matthew 13.47-52
47"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.48When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.49So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous50and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.51"Have you understood all these things?" They said to him, "Yes."52And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on God’s presence and the ultimate judgment. The first reading from Exodus describes the meticulous setup of the tabernacle, where Moses follows God’s instructions to create a sanctuary for His presence. The tabernacle, filled with God’s glory, serves as a physical manifestation of His dwelling among the Israelites, guiding them through a cloud by day and fire by night. This passage underscores the importance of obedience and the tangible presence of God in our lives.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus’ parable of the net, which gathers all kinds of fish, symbolizing the kingdom of heaven. This parable emphasizes the inevitability of judgment, where the righteous will be separated from the wicked. Jesus highlights the importance of understanding these teachings and living accordingly, much like a wise scribe who shares both old and new wisdom. Together, these readings remind us of the balance between God’s presence and our accountability to Him.
As we reflect on these passages, we are called to examine our lives. Just as the Israelites followed the cloud’s guidance, we must remain attentive to God’s presence and direction. Similarly, the parable of the net urges us to live righteously, prepared for the day when our actions will be judged. The moral lesson here is clear: our obedience and preparedness are essential. Let us strive to live in accordance with God’s will, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to eternal life with Him.