Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 1, 2022
First Reading: Jeremiah 28.1-17
1In the fifth month of that same year, the fourth year, early in the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, the prophet Hananiah son of Azzur, who was from Gibeon, said to me in the house of the LORD in the presence of the priests and all the people:2"This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: 'I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.3Within two years I will bring back to this place all the articles of the LORD's house that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon removed from here and took to Babylon.4I will also bring back to this place Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim king of Judah and all the other exiles from Judah who went to Babylon,' declares the LORD, 'for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon.'"5Then the prophet Jeremiah replied to the prophet Hananiah before the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD.6He said, "Amen! May the LORD do so! May the LORD fulfill the words you have prophesied by bringing the articles of the LORD's house and all the exiles back to this place from Babylon.7Nevertheless, listen to what I have to say in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people:8From early times the prophets who preceded you and me have prophesied war, disaster and plague against many countries and great kingdoms.9But the prophet who prophesies peace will be recognized as one truly sent by the LORD only if his prediction comes true."10Then the prophet Hananiah took the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah and broke it,11and he said before all the people, "This is what the LORD says: 'In the same way will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon off the neck of all the nations within two years.'" At this, the prophet Jeremiah went on his way.12Shortly after the prophet Hananiah had broken the yoke off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah:13"Go and tell Hananiah, 'This is what the LORD says: You have broken a wooden yoke, but in its place you will get a yoke of iron.14This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: I will put an iron yoke on the necks of all these nations to make them serve Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and they will serve him. I will even give him control over the wild animals.'"15Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, "Listen, Hananiah! The LORD has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies.16Therefore, this is what the LORD says: 'I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because you have preached rebellion against the LORD.'"17In the seventh month of that same year, Hananiah the prophet died.
Psalm 119
1Blessed are they whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.2Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.3They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.4You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed.5Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees!6Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands.7I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.8I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me.9How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.10I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.11I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.12Praise be to you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.13With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth.14I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.15I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.16I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.17Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word.18Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.19I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me.20My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times.21You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands.22Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your statutes.23Though rulers sit together and slander me, your servant will meditate on your decrees.24Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.25I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.26I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.27Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.28My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.29Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law.30I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.31I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame.32I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.33Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.34Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.35Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.36Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.37Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.38Fulfill your promise to your servant, so that you may be feared.39Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.40How I long for your precepts! Preserve my life in your righteousness.41May your unfailing love come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;42then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.43Do not snatch the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.44I will always obey your law, for ever and ever.45I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.46I will speak of your statutes before kings and will not be put to shame,47for I delight in your commands because I love them.48I lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and I meditate on your decrees.49Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.50My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.51The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.52I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.53Indignation grips me because of the wicked, who have forsaken your law.54Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge.55In the night I remember your name, O LORD, and I will keep your law.56This has been my practice: I obey your precepts.57You are my portion, O LORD; I have promised to obey your words.58I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.59I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.60I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands.61Though the wicked bind me with ropes, I will not forget your law.62At midnight I rise to give you thanks for your righteous laws.63I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.64The earth is filled with your love, O LORD; teach me your decrees.65Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD.66Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands.67Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word.68You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.69Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep your precepts with all my heart.70Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law.71It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.72The law from your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of silver and gold.73Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding to learn your commands.74May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word.75I know, O LORD, that your laws are righteous, and in faithfulness you have afflicted me.76May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.77Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight.78May the arrogant be put to shame for wronging me without cause; but I will meditate on your precepts.79May those who fear you turn to me, those who understand your statutes.80May my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be put to shame.81My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.82My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, "When will you comfort me?"83Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees.84How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors?85The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law.86All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause.87They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.88Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.89Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.90Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.91Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you.92If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.93I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life.94Save me, for I am yours; I have sought out your precepts.95The wicked are waiting to destroy me, but I will ponder your statutes.96To all perfection I see a limit; but your commands are boundless.97Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.98Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.99I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.100I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.101I have kept my feet from every evil path so that I might obey your word.102I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me.103How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!104I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path.105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.106I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.107I have suffered much; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your word.108Accept, O LORD, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me your laws.109Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget your law.110The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from your precepts.111Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.112My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.113I hate double-minded men, but I love your law.114You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.115Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!116Sustain me according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.117Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.118You reject all who stray from your decrees, for their deceitfulness is in vain.119All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross; therefore I love your statutes.120My flesh trembles in fear of you; I stand in awe of your laws.121I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors.122Ensure your servant's well-being; let not the arrogant oppress me.123My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.124Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.125I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.126It is time for you to act, O LORD; your law is being broken.127Because I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold,128and because I consider all your precepts right, I hate every wrong path.129Your statutes are wonderful; therefore I obey them.130The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.131I open my mouth and pant, longing for your commands.132Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.133Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.134Redeem me from the oppression of men, that I may obey your precepts.135Make your face shine upon your servant and teach me your decrees.136Streams of tears flow from my eyes, for your law is not obeyed.137Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.138The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.139My zeal wears me out, for my enemies ignore your words.140Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.141Though I am lowly and despised, I do not forget your precepts.142Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.143Trouble and distress have come upon me, but your commands are my delight.144Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.145I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees.146I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes.147I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word.148My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises.149Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your laws.150Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law.151Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true.152Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.153Look upon my suffering and deliver me, for I have not forgotten your law.154Defend my cause and redeem me; preserve my life according to your promise.155Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek out your decrees.156Your compassion is great, O LORD; preserve my life according to your laws.157Many are the foes who persecute me, but I have not turned from your statutes.158I look on the faithless with loathing, for they do not obey your word.159See how I love your precepts; preserve my life, O LORD, according to your love.160All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.161Rulers persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word.162I rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil.163I hate and abhor falsehood but I love your law.164Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws.165Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.166I wait for your salvation, O LORD, and I follow your commands.167I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly.168I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you.169May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word.170May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise.171May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees.172May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.173May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.174I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight.175Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me.176I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
Gospel: Matthew 14.13-21
13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.15As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.18"Bring them here to me," he said.19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on trust and God's providence. The first reading from Jeremiah describes a confrontation between the prophet Jeremiah and Hananiah, a false prophet who falsely claims that the yoke of Babylon will be broken within two years. Jeremiah, guided by God, counters this by explaining that Hananiah's words are not from the Lord, emphasizing that true prophecy must be tested by time and fidelity to God's word. This passage underscores the importance of discernment and trust in God's timing, even when faced with false assurances.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a different scenario, one of abundance and divine provision. Jesus, moved by compassion for the crowds, multiplies five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. This miracle is not just about meeting physical needs but also about trusting in God's providence. Just as the disciples initially saw only scarcity, we often focus on our limitations. Yet, Jesus shows that even the smallest offerings, when surrendered to God, can yield extraordinary results.
Together, these readings invite us to trust in God's plan and timing. Like Jeremiah, we must discern between true and false promises, remaining faithful even when the future seems uncertain. Like the disciples, we are called to trust that God can multiply our efforts and resources beyond our imagination. In our daily lives, this means surrendering our anxieties and limitations to God, trusting that He will provide in ways we cannot foresee. May we cultivate the patience and faith to trust in His providence, knowing that He is always at work, even when we cannot see the full picture.