Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 26, 2018

First Reading: Sirach 44.1, 8, 10-15

This reading is not available in the NIV version. Visit the CPDV version to view the reading.

Psalm 132

¹O LORD, remember David and all the hardships he endured.²He swore an oath to the LORD and made a vow to the Mighty One of Jacob:³"I will not enter my house or go to my bed-⁴I will allow no sleep to my eyes, no slumber to my eyelids,⁵till I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacob."⁶We heard it in Ephrathah, we came upon it in the fields of Jaar:⁷"Let us go to his dwelling place; let us worship at his footstool-⁸arise, O LORD, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might.⁹May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy."¹⁰For the sake of David your servant, do not reject your anointed one.¹¹The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke: "One of your own descendants I will place on your throne-¹²if your sons keep my covenant and the statutes I teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne for ever and ever."¹³For the LORD has chosen Zion, he has desired it for his dwelling:¹⁴"This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned, for I have desired it-¹⁵I will bless her with abundant provisions; her poor will I satisfy with food.¹⁶I will clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints will ever sing for joy.¹⁷"Here I will make a horn grow for David and set up a lamp for my anointed one.¹⁸I will clothe his enemies with shame, but the crown on his head will be resplendent."

Gospel: Matthew 13.16-17

Matthew

Chapter 13

¹⁶But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear.¹⁷For I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of legacy, gratitude, and the responsibility that comes with the blessings we receive. The first reading from Sirach encourages us to honor our ancestors who have passed down a legacy of faith and virtue. It reminds us that the good deeds of those who came before us continue to bear fruit, shaping the lives of future generations. This passage invites us to appreciate the wisdom and mercy of those who have gone before us, recognizing that their contributions remain alive in us. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the present moment. Jesus reminds us that we are blessed to see and hear what many prophets and righteous people longed to experience but could not. This is a call to gratitude for the gift of faith and the revelation of God’s truth in our lives. It also challenges us to be mindful of the responsibility that comes with this blessing. Just as our ancestors passed on their legacy, we too are called to live in a way that honors God and shares His love with others. As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we can live out the legacy of faith in our own lives. May we cultivate gratitude for the blessings we have received and strive to pass on the wisdom and mercy of God to those around us. Let us not take for granted the gift of faith, but instead, let it transform us and inspire us to live virtuously, leaving behind a legacy that honors God and benefits future generations.