Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 19, 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the nature of family. In the first reading from Micah, we hear a beautiful expression of trust in God’s care and mercy. The prophet describes God as a shepherd who pastures His people, leading them to safety and abundance. He emphasizes that God’s mercy is unparalleled, as He forgives sin and casts it into the depths of the sea. This passage reminds us of God’s steadfast love and His desire to restore His people, even when they have wandered.
In the Gospel, Jesus expands our understanding of family. When His mother and brothers approach Him, He responds by pointing to His disciples and saying, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is my brother, and sister, and mother.” This teaching challenges us to see family not only in biological terms but in spiritual ones. Jesus is not dismissing His earthly family but rather emphasizing that those who follow God’s will are part of His true family.
Both readings call us to live in a way that reflects God’s mercy and to embrace a broader understanding of family. Micah’s focus on forgiveness encourages us to let go of grudges and trust in God’s love. Jesus’ teaching reminds us that our faith community is our spiritual family, bound together by our commitment to God’s will. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to live with mercy, forgiveness, and a deep sense of belonging to God’s family. May we see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, and may our actions reflect the love and compassion of our heavenly Father.