Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 13, 2022
First Reading: Isaiah 10.5-7, 13-16
5"Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath!6I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.7But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations.13For he says: "'By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding. I removed the boundaries of nations, I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their kings.14As one reaches into a nest, so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations; as men gather abandoned eggs, so I gathered all the countries; not one flapped a wing, or opened its mouth to chirp.'"15Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it? As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up, or a club brandish him who is not wood!16Therefore, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors; under his pomp a fire will be kindled like a blazing flame.
Psalm 94
1O LORD, the God who avenges, O God who avenges, shine forth.2Rise up, O Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve.3How long will the wicked, O LORD, how long will the wicked be jubilant?4They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting.5They crush your people, O LORD; they oppress your inheritance.6They slay the widow and the alien; they murder the fatherless.7They say, "The LORD does not see; the God of Jacob pays no heed."8Take heed, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise?9Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see?10Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge?11The LORD knows the thoughts of man; he knows that they are futile.12Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law;13you grant him relief from days of trouble, till a pit is dug for the wicked.14For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.15Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it.16Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?17Unless the LORD had given me help, I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.18When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.19When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.20Can a corrupt throne be allied with you- one that brings on misery by its decrees?21They band together against the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.22But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.23He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the LORD our God will destroy them.
Gospel: Matthew 11.25-27
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, trust in God, and the dangers of pride. The first reading from Isaiah describes Assyria as a tool of God’s judgment, yet warns against the arrogance that leads to its downfall. Assyria, though powerful, forgets that its strength comes not from itself but from God. The prophet highlights the foolishness of attributing success to one’s own efforts rather than acknowledging the divine hand at work. This serves as a cautionary tale about the peril of pride and the importance of humility.
In the Gospel, Jesus praises the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to the “little ones” while hiding them from the wise and the proud. This passage underscores the idea that spiritual truth is not attained through human wisdom or self-reliance but through a humble and open heart. Jesus emphasizes that true understanding comes from a relationship with God, and that no one can fully know the Father except through the Son. This teaching challenges us to approach God with childlike humility, recognizing our dependence on Him.
These readings remind us that our strength and wisdom are not our own but are gifts from God. Like Assyria, we risk falling if we trust in ourselves rather than in Him. Jesus calls us to embrace humility, to recognize our limitations, and to trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, this means letting go of pride and self-reliance, and instead seeking to grow in faith and dependence on God. May we learn to approach Him with humble hearts, knowing that true wisdom and strength come from Him alone.