Daily Readings - Sat Jul 16 2022
Micah
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.
Matthew
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 readings today offer a powerful contrast between injustice and the gentle, humble servant of God. In the first reading from Micah, we hear a scathing indictment of those who exploit the vulnerable, seize land by violence, and perpetuate falsehood. Micah condemns the corruption and greed of those in power, warning that such wickedness will not go unpunished. The prophet speaks on behalf of God, declaring that the injustices done to others will ultimately lead to their own downfall. This passage reminds us that God sees all, and that those who harm the weak will face judgment.
In the Gospel, we see a very different kind of leader in Jesus. Matthew describes how Jesus, aware of the Pharisees’ plot to destroy him, withdraws and continues his ministry of healing and compassion. The passage then quotes Isaiah’s prophecy of the Servant who is gentle, non-confrontational, and full of love. Jesus embodies this prophecy, showing that true strength lies not in power or dominance, but in humility and care for others. While the Pharisees seek to destroy, Jesus seeks to heal and bring hope, even to the Gentiles.
These readings call us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Micah’s warning against injustice challenges us to examine our own actions and whether we contribute to the suffering of others, even unintentionally. Jesus, on the other hand, shows us the way of humility and compassion. In a world often marked by division and greed, we are called to be like Jesus—gentle, merciful, and hopeful. Let us strive to live justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with God, trusting that His way of love and justice will ultimately prevail.