Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 11, 2020
First Reading: Ezekiel 2.8 – 3.4
8But thou, son of man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious like that rebellious house: open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee.9And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein;10And he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.
1Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.2So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.3And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.4And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.
Psalm 119
1ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.2Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart.3They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.4Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently.5O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes!6Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.7I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.8I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.9BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.10With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.11Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.12Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.14I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.15I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.16I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.17GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.18Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.19I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me.20My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.21Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.22Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies.23Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.24Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.25DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.26I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes.27Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.28My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.29Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously.30I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me.31I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.32I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.33HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.34Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.35Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.36Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness.37Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.38Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.39Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good.40Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.41VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.42So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.43And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments.44So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever.45And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts.46I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.47And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved.48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.49ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope.50This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.51The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law.52I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself.53Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law.54Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.55I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law.56This I had, because I kept thy precepts.57CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.58I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word.59I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.60I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.61The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law.62At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.63I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.64The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.65TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word.66Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.67Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.68Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes.69The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart.70Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law.71It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.72The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.73JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments.74They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word.75I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me.76Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.77Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.78Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.79Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies.80Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.81CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word.82Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?83For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.84How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?85The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.86All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.87They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.88Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.89LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.90Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.91They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.92Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.93I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me.94I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts.95The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies.96I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.97MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.105NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.106I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.107I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.108Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments.109My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.110The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts.111Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.112I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.113SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.114Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.115Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God.116Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.117Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually.118Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood.119Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies.120My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.121AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors.122Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me.123Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.124Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes.125I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies.126It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law.127Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.128Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.129PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them.130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.131I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.132Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.133Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.134Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.135Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.136Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.137TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.138Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.139My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.140Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.141I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.142Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.143Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights.144The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.145KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes.146I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.147I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word.148Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.149Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.150They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law.151Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth.152Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.153RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.154Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.155Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.156Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.157Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.158I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.159Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.160Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.161SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word.162I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil.163I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love.164Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments.165Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.166LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.167My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly.168I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.169TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word.170Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word.171My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes.172My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness.173Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts.174I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight.175Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me.176I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.
Gospel: Matthew 18.1-5, 10, 12-14
1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.12How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?13And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to humility and the responsibility of caring for one another in God’s kingdom. In the first reading, Ezekiel is commissioned by God to speak to the people of Israel, despite their resistance. He is given a scroll to eat, symbolizing the Word of God, which becomes sweet in his mouth but also a heavy burden to carry. This passage emphasizes the prophet’s role as a messenger of God’s truth, even when the message is difficult to hear. Ezekiel’s call reminds us that we, too, are called to share God’s Word, though it may require courage and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven. Using the image of a little child, he shows that greatness in God’s eyes comes not from power or status, but from simplicity, trust, and openness to God. Jesus also warns against despising the “little ones,” emphasizing that each person is precious in God’s sight. The parable of the lost sheep reinforces this message, highlighting the joy of finding what was lost and the Father’s desire that none be lost. Together, these passages call us to live with humility, compassion, and a deep concern for the well-being of others.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace humility and to care for those around us, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. Like Ezekiel, we are called to share God’s truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Like the disciples, we are invited to approach life with the simplicity and trust of a child, recognizing the dignity and worth of every person. May we strive to live in a way that reflects God’s love and concern for all, especially those who feel lost or forgotten.