Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 18, 2020
First Reading: Micah 2.1-5
1Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it.2They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance.3Therefore, the LORD says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.4In that day men will ridicule you; they will taunt you with this mournful song: 'We are utterly ruined; my people's possession is divided up. He takes it from me! He assigns our fields to traitors.'"5Therefore you will have no one in the assembly of the LORD to divide the land by lot.
Psalm 10
1Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?2In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises.3He boasts of the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD.4In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.5His ways are always prosperous; he is haughty and your laws are far from him; he sneers at all his enemies.6He says to himself, "Nothing will shake me; I'll always be happy and never have trouble."7His mouth is full of curses and lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue.8He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent, watching in secret for his victims.9He lies in wait like a lion in cover; he lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net.10His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.11He says to himself, "God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees."12Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless.13Why does the wicked man revile God? Why does he say to himself, "He won't call me to account"?14But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.15Break the arm of the wicked and evil man; call him to account for his wickedness that would not be found out.16The LORD is King for ever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.17You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,18defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.
Gospel: Matthew 12.14-21
14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick,16warning them not to tell who he was.17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:18"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.20A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.21In his name the nations will put their hope."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes: the condemnation of injustice and the fulfillment of prophecy through humble service. The first reading from Micah addresses a society steeped in greed and oppression, where the powerful seize land and homes, leaving devastation in their wake. Micah's prophecy warns of impending judgment, a time when arrogance will fall, and the people will recognize the error of their ways. This reading serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting justice and compassion.
In contrast, the Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus as the embodiment of humility and gentle strength. Despite the Pharisees' plots against him, Jesus continues his ministry of healing and teaching, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy of a servant who brings hope without fanfare. Jesus's actions exemplify a different kind of power—one rooted in love and service rather than coercion or dominance. This passage invites us to reflect on how we exercise power and influence in our own lives.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our values and actions. Micah's warning against exploitation and Jesus's example of selfless service call us to live with integrity, to stand up for justice, and to trust in God's plan. In a world often driven by greed and ambition, we are reminded that true greatness lies in humility and compassion. As we navigate our daily lives, may we strive to follow Jesus's example, bringing light and hope to those around us.