Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 26, 2017

First Reading: Sirach 44.1, 8, 10-15

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Psalm 132

¹A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:²How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;³Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed;⁴I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids,⁵Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.⁶Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.⁷We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.⁸Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.⁹Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness; and let thy saints shout for joy.¹⁰For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.¹¹The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne.¹²If thy children will keep my covenant and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.¹³For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.¹⁴This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.¹⁵I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.¹⁶I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.¹⁷There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.¹⁸His enemies will I clothe with shame: but upon himself shall his crown flourish.

Gospel: Matthew 13.16-17

Matthew

Chapter 13

¹⁶But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.¹⁷For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the gift of faith and the legacy of those who have come before us. In the first reading from Sirach, we hear a beautiful tribute to the ancestors who lived virtuous lives, leaving behind a lasting impact through their good deeds and fidelity to God. Their legacy endures not only in their descendants but also in the covenant they upheld. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences that ripple through generations, shaping the lives of those who come after us. It calls us to live with integrity, mercy, and faith, so that we too might leave a holy inheritance for others. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the privilege they have to see and hear what many prophets and righteous people longed to experience. This is not a boast but a humble recognition of the grace they have received. It reminds us that faith is a gift, and with this gift comes a responsibility to bear fruit. Just as the good soil in the parable receives the seed and produces an abundant harvest, so too are we called to nurture our faith and allow it to transform our lives and the lives of others. This passage encourages us to cultivate gratitude for the spiritual treasures we have and to use them wisely. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us consider how we are living out our faith. Are we building a legacy of love, compassion, and fidelity, as the ancestors in Sirach did? Are we stewarding the gift of faith entrusted to us, as Jesus reminds us in the Gospel? May we strive to live in such a way that our lives honor the heritage of faith we have received and bear fruit that lasts for generations to come. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful and fruitful, that we might glorify God and inspire others to do the same.