Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 1, 2018
First Reading: Jeremiah 15.10, 16-21
10Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends! I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me.16When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.17I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?19Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.20I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD.21"I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."
Psalm 59
1Deliver me from my enemies, O God; protect me from those who rise up against me.2Deliver me from evildoers and save me from bloodthirsty men.3See how they lie in wait for me! Fierce men conspire against me for no offense or sin of mine, O LORD.4I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Arise to help me; look on my plight!5O LORD God Almighty, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to wicked traitors. Selah6They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.7See what they spew from their mouths- they spew out swords from their lips, and they say, "Who can hear us?"8But you, O LORD, laugh at them; you scoff at all those nations.9O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress,10my loving God. God will go before me and will let me gloat over those who slander me.11But do not kill them, O Lord our shield, or my people will forget. In your might make them wander about, and bring them down.12For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride. For the curses and lies they utter,13consume them in wrath, consume them till they are no more. Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah14They return at evening, snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city.15They wander about for food and howl if not satisfied.16But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.17O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Gospel: Matthew 13.44-46
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on commitment and the pursuit of spiritual treasure. The prophet Jeremiah expresses his deep sorrow and isolation, feeling the weight of his mission from God. Despite his struggles and the persecution he faces, God assures him of protection and redemption, urging him to remain faithful. This passage highlights Jeremiah's unwavering commitment to his divine calling, even amidst adversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven. The first compares it to a hidden treasure, which a man finds and, with great joy, sacrifices everything to possess. The second likens it to a merchant seeking a pearl of great value, who sells all he has to acquire it. These parables emphasize the immense value of spiritual life, urging us to prioritize the Kingdom above all else.
Reflecting on these readings, we are invited to evaluate our own commitments and priorities. Like Jeremiah, we may face challenges in our faith journey, but trust in God's presence and guidance is essential. The parables remind us that seeking spiritual treasure requires sacrifice and dedication. Let us ask ourselves: Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments to deepen our relationship with God? May we find the courage to commit fully to our faith, trusting that the spiritual riches we gain will far outweigh any earthly possessions.