Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 16, 2021
First Reading: Judges 2.11-19
11And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:12And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.13And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.14And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.15Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.16Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.17And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.18And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.19And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
Psalm 106
1Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.2Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?3Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.4Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;5That I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.6We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.7Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.8Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.9He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.10And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.11And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.12Then believed they his words; they sang his praise.13They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:14But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert.15And he gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.16They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.17The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.18And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked.19They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image.20Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass.21They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt;22Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea.23Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.24Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:25But murmured in their tents, and hearkened not unto the voice of the LORD.26Therefore he lifted up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness:27To overthrow their seed also among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands.28They joined themselves also unto Baalpeor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.29Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions: and the plague brake in upon them.30Then stood up Phinehas, and executed judgment: and so the plague was stayed.31And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.32They angered him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses for their sakes:33Because they provoked his spirit, so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips.34They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the LORD commanded them:35But were mingled among the heathen, and learned their works.36And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.37Yea, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters unto devils,38And shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they sacrificed unto the idols of Canaan: and the land was polluted with blood.39Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.40Therefore was the wrath of the LORD kindled against his people, insomuch that he abhorred his own inheritance.41And he gave them into the hand of the heathen; and they that hated them ruled over them.42Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand.43Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity.44Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:45And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.46He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captives.47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.48Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the LORD.
Gospel: Matthew 19.16-22
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and the world around us. The first reading from Judges describes the Israelites' recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance. Despite God's mercy and the leadership of judges, they repeatedly turn away from Him, embracing idols and suffering the consequences. This narrative highlights the human tendency to forget God's faithfulness and succumb to worldly allurements.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a young man who approaches Jesus, eager to know what he must do to attain eternal life. Jesus outlines the commandments, and the young man claims to have kept them since childhood. Yet, when Jesus asks him to sell his possessions and follow Him, he hesitates, burdened by his wealth. This encounter underscores the challenge of detachment from material possessions and the deeper call to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Both readings relate through the theme of attachment to worldly things. The Israelites in Judges are lured by foreign gods, while the young man in Matthew is held back by his wealth. These stories remind us that our fidelity to God is tested by our willingness to let go of what distracts us from Him. In our daily lives, we may find ourselves attached to various desires or possessions that hinder our full surrender to God's will.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider what holds us back from following Christ more closely. True discipleship requires more than outward obedience; it demands a willingness to release whatever stands in the way of our relationship with God. The moral lesson here is clear: detachment and surrender are essential for a life of deeper faith and commitment. May we, like the judges of old, turn to God with humble hearts, ready to let go and follow Him faithfully.