Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 1, 2018
First Reading: Jeremiah 15.10, 16-21
10Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?19Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.21And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Psalm 59
1Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.2Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.4They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.5Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.6They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?8But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.9Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.10The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.11Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.12For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.13Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.14And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.15Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.16But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.17Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Gospel: Matthew 13.44-46
44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on commitment and the pursuit of spiritual treasure. The prophet Jeremiah expresses his deep sorrow and isolation, feeling the weight of his mission from God. Despite his struggles and the persecution he faces, God assures him of protection and redemption, urging him to remain faithful. This passage highlights Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to his divine calling, even amidst adversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven. The first compares it to a hidden treasure, which a man finds and, with great joy, sacrifices everything to possess. The second likens it to a merchant seeking a pearl of great value, who sells all he has to acquire it. These parables emphasize the immense value of spiritual life, urging us to prioritize the Kingdom above all else.
Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to evaluate our own commitments and priorities. Like Jeremiah, we may face challenges in our faith journey, but trust in God's presence and guidance is essential. The parables remind us that seeking spiritual treasure requires sacrifice and dedication. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments to deepen our relationship with God? May we find the courage to commit fully to our faith, trusting that the spiritual riches we gain will far outweigh any earthly possessions.