Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 21, 2018
First Reading: Micah 2.1-5
1Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds! when the morning is light, they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand.2And they covet fields, and take them by violence; and houses, and take them away: so they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage.3Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks; neither shall ye go haughtily: for this time is evil.4In that day shall one take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, and say, We be utterly spoiled: he hath changed the portion of my people: how hath he removed it from me! turning away he hath divided our fields.5Therefore thou shalt have none that shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the LORD.
Psalm 10
1Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?2The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.3For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth.4The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.5His ways are always grievous; thy judgments are far above out of his sight: as for all his enemies, he puffeth at them.6He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity.7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.8He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.9He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net.10He croucheth, and humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones.11He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.12Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.13Wherefore doth the wicked contemn God? he hath said in his heart, Thou wilt not require it.14Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.15Break thou the arm of the wicked and the evil man: seek out his wickedness till thou find none.16The LORD is King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.17LORD, thou hast heard the desire of the humble: thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear:18To judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no more oppress.
Gospel: Matthew 12.14-21
14Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.15But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;16And charged them that they should not make him known:17That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,18Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.19He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets.20A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.21And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages about justice, humility, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from Micah condemns those who exploit the vulnerable and engage in unjust practices, warning that their actions will lead to their downfall. This passage reflects Micah's call to the people of Israel to repent from their sins and return to a life of integrity and fairness. The second reading from Matthew shows Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah as the gentle servant who brings justice without force or arrogance. Despite the Pharisees' plots against him, Jesus continues his healing ministry, embodying patience and trust in God's plan.
These readings are connected by their focus on justice and the right way to achieve it. Micah emphasizes the consequences of injustice and the importance of living according to God's will, while Matthew presents Jesus as the model of humility and non-violent justice. Together, they remind us that true justice must be rooted in love, compassion, and trust in God. Jesus shows us that even in the face of opposition, we should remain steadfast in doing good and avoiding harmful actions.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to reflect on how we treat others and whether our actions align with God's will. We are challenged to stand against injustice, but to do so with humility and love, as Jesus did. Let us strive to live with integrity, treating others fairly and trusting in God's plan. May we be instruments of justice and peace in our world, following the example of Christ, the gentle servant who brought light to the nations.