Daily Catholic Mass Readings for August 3, 2023
First Reading: Exodus 40.16-21, 34-38
16Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded him.17So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.18When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts.19Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the LORD commanded him.20He took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the Testimony, as the LORD commanded him.34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.35Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out;37but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out-until the day it lifted.38So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.
Psalm 84
1How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!2My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.3Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.4Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah5Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.6As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.7They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.8Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah9Look upon our shield, O God; look with favor on your anointed one.10Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.11For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.12O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Gospel: Matthew 13.47-52
47"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.48When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.51"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied.52He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on God's presence and our responsibility as disciples. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses meticulously erecting the tabernacle, a sanctuary where God's glory resides. The tabernacle, filled with the cloud of God's presence, guides the Israelites, symbolizing God's active role in their lives. This passage underscores the importance of creating sacred spaces—both physical and spiritual—where God's presence can dwell.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the net, illustrating the kingdom of heaven as a net gathering all kinds of fish, which are later separated into good and bad. This parable reminds us of the inevitable judgment, where our actions and choices will be assessed. Jesus emphasizes that a true disciple, like a well-taught scribe, values both old and new wisdom, applying these teachings in their life.
These readings connect through themes of divine presence and accountability. Exodus shows us the tabernacle as a place of God's presence, while Matthew's parable calls us to live in a manner that reflects our faith, mindful of the judgment to come. In our daily lives, we are invited to create sacred spaces within our hearts, nurturing God's presence through prayer and reflection. We must also live with intentionality, ensuring our actions align with our faith, preparing for the day when our lives will be examined.
As we reflect, let us consider how we embody God's presence and live in anticipation of His judgment. May we strive to be disciples who cherish both tradition and new insights, using them to guide our actions. Let us live with purpose, creating a sanctuary of love and righteousness, ever-ready to stand before God with hearts full of grace.