Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 20, 2024
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 invite us to reflect on the themes of justice and compassion. In Micah, we hear a prophetic warning against those who engage in oppression and injustice. The prophet condemns the powerful who exploit the vulnerable, stealing their land and homes. He warns that such actions will lead to ruin, as God will not tolerate injustice forever. This passage calls us to recognize the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting the weak.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus embodying a different approach to justice. Despite the Pharisees plotting against Him, Jesus chooses not to confront them directly. Instead, He continues His healing ministry, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of a gentle servant who brings hope to all. Jesus' approach is one of compassion and non-violence, showing that true justice is not about power but about care for the marginalized. His example teaches us that justice should be tempered with mercy and humility.
These readings challenge us to live justly and compassionately. Like Micah, we must stand against oppression and arrogance. Like Jesus, we must approach justice with gentleness and care for the weak. In our daily lives, let us strive to follow Jesus' example, working for justice in a way that reflects His love and humility. May we be instruments of God's peace and hope in a world that often prioritizes power over people.