Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 17, 2021
First Reading: Exodus 12.37-42
37The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.38Many other people went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.39With the dough they had brought from Egypt, they baked cakes of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves.40Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years.41At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD's divisions left Egypt.42Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the LORD for the generations to come.
Psalm 136
1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.2Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.3Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.4to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever.5who by his understanding made the heavens, His love endures forever.6who spread out the earth upon the waters, His love endures forever.7who made the great lights- His love endures forever.8the sun to govern the day, His love endures forever.9the moon and stars to govern the night; His love endures forever.10to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt His love endures forever.11and brought Israel out from among them His love endures forever.12with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.13to him who divided the Red Sea asunder His love endures forever.14and brought Israel through the midst of it, His love endures forever.15but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea; His love endures forever.16to him who led his people through the desert, His love endures forever.17who struck down great kings, His love endures forever.18and killed mighty kings- His love endures forever.19Sihon king of the Amorites His love endures forever.20and Og king of Bashan- His love endures forever.21and gave their land as an inheritance, His love endures forever.22an inheritance to his servant Israel; His love endures forever.23to the One who remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever.24and freed us from our enemies, His love endures forever.25and who gives food to every creature. His love endures forever.26Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
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
The first reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, marking the end of their 430-year sojourn. The text emphasizes the urgency of their exit, as they left with unleavened bread, unable to wait for it to rise. This moment is not just a historical event but a sacred observance, a night the Lord Himself led His people out of slavery. It is a reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of remembering His saving acts.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, aware of the Pharisees' plot against Him, withdrew and continued His ministry of healing. The passage is filled with quiet power, as Jesus avoids confrontation and instead fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of the gentle Messiah. He is the Servant who does not break the bruised reed or extinguish the smoldering wick, offering hope to all nations. This image contrasts sharply with the world's notion of power, revealing a Savior who triumphs through humility and compassion.
Both readings invite us to reflect on trust and hope. Like the Israelites, we are called to trust in God's providence, even in uncertain times. Jesus shows us that true strength lies not in dominance but in gentleness and mercy. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God's plan and to live with the humility and compassion of Christ, bringing hope to a world in need.