Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 24, 2018
First Reading: Micah 7.14-15, 18-20
14Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.15According to the days of thy coming out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things.18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.20Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.
Psalm 85
1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.4Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.5Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?6Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?7Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.8I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.12Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Gospel: Matthew 12.46, 48-50
46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on God’s mercy and the expansion of our understanding of family and community. The first reading from Micah paints a vivid picture of God as a shepherd who guides His people with care and compassion. The prophet speaks of a time when God will gather His flock, even in the midst of narrow or challenging circumstances, and lead them to places of abundance, reminiscent of the Exodus from Egypt. Micah emphasizes God’s willingness to forgive and cast sins into the depths of the sea, promising faithfulness to His people. This passage invites us to trust in God’s enduring mercy and faithfulness, even when we stumble.
The Gospel reading from Matthew challenges us to rethink our understanding of family. When Jesus is told that his mother and brothers are waiting to speak with him, he responds by expanding the concept of family beyond blood ties. He points to his disciples and declares that those who do the will of His Father in heaven are his true brothers, sisters, and mother. This teaching is radical because it calls us to see our spiritual family as those who share a common commitment to God’s will, transcending biological bonds. It reminds us that our faith is not confined to our immediate circles but extends to all who seek to live according to God’s plan.
These readings are deeply connected. Micah’s emphasis on God’s mercy and faithfulness encourages us to trust in His plan, while Jesus’ teaching on spiritual family invites us to live out that plan in community. Together, they call us to embrace a life of mercy, forgiveness, and unity. As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How can we extend God’s mercy to others? How can we build a spiritual family that reflects His will? May we strive to live as children of God, united in love and fidelity to His plan, and may we always remember that our true family is found in those who share a commitment to His kingdom.