Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 16, 2022
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
The readings today offer a powerful contrast between injustice and the gentle, humble servant of God. In the first reading from Micah, we hear a scathing indictment of those who exploit the vulnerable, seize land by violence, and perpetuate falsehood. Micah condemns the corruption and greed of those in power, warning that such wickedness will not go unpunished. The prophet speaks on behalf of God, declaring that the injustices done to others will ultimately lead to their own downfall. This passage reminds us that God sees all, and that those who harm the weak will face judgment.
In the Gospel, we see a very different kind of leader in Jesus. Matthew describes how Jesus, aware of the Pharisees’ plot to destroy him, withdraws and continues his ministry of healing and compassion. The passage then quotes Isaiah’s prophecy of the Servant who is gentle, non-confrontational, and full of love. Jesus embodies this prophecy, showing that true strength lies not in power or dominance, but in humility and care for others. While the Pharisees seek to destroy, Jesus seeks to heal and bring hope, even to the Gentiles.
These readings call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Micah’s warning against injustice challenges us to examine our own actions and whether we contribute to the suffering of others, even unintentionally. Jesus, on the other hand, shows us the way of humility and compassion. In a world often marked by division and greed, we are called to be like Jesus—gentle, merciful, and hopeful. Let us strive to live justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God, trusting that His way of love and justice will ultimately prevail.