Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 31, 2024
First Reading: Jeremiah 15.10, 16-21
10Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; yet every one of them doth curse me.16Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.17I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?19Therefore thus saith the LORD, If thou return, then will I bring thee again, and thou shalt stand before me: and if thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth: let them return unto thee; but return not thou unto them.20And I will make thee unto this people a fenced brasen wall: and they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee: for I am with thee to save thee and to deliver thee, saith the LORD.21And I will deliver thee out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem thee out of the hand of the terrible.
Psalm 59
1Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me.2Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men.3For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD.4They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold.5Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah.6They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?8But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision.9Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.10The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.11Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield.12For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.13Consume them in wrath, consume them, that they may not be: and let them know that God ruleth in Jacob unto the ends of the earth. Selah.14And at evening let them return; and let them make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city.15Let them wander up and down for meat, and grudge if they be not satisfied.16But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defence and refuge in the day of my trouble.17Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Gospel: Matthew 13.44-46
44Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:46Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the theme of seeking and valuing spiritual treasures, even amidst challenges and sacrifices. The first reading from Jeremiah presents a prophet in distress, expressing his lament and struggle with his mission. Jeremiah feels the weight of his calling, facing opposition and sorrow, yet he finds solace in God's word. His initial despair turns to hope as God offers him a path of return, promising strength and redemption. This transformation from lament to trust underscores the human experience of struggling with faith, yet ultimately relying on God's providence.
The Gospel parables from Matthew further illuminate this theme. The treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great value symbolize the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that true spiritual wealth requires sacrifice and dedication. These parables teach us that seeking God's kingdom is not a casual endeavor but a commitment that may demand letting go of worldly attachments. Just as the man and the merchant in the parables give up everything for their treasures, we are called to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when faced with difficulties. Like Jeremiah, we may encounter struggles, but through prayer and faith, we can find strength. The parables remind us to seek spiritual richness with the same dedication as the merchant seeking pearls. Let us embrace our faith journey with hope and determination, trusting that our efforts will lead us to the true treasure of God's kingdom.