Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 17, 2024
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 encounter two powerful reflections on human pride and the wisdom of humility. The first reading from Isaiah describes Assyria as a tool of God’s judgment, yet Assyria’s downfall comes from its own arrogance. Assyria, once an instrument of divine punishment, forgets that its power comes not from itself but from God. The prophet warns that when we attribute our successes solely to our own strength and wisdom, we risk losing sight of God’s sovereignty. This passage reminds us that all human achievements, no matter how impressive, are fleeting and subject to God’s judgment.
The Gospel reading offers a striking contrast. Jesus praises the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom not to the wise and powerful but to the “little ones.” This is a recurring theme in Matthew’s Gospel, where Jesus emphasizes that true wisdom comes not from human pride or self-reliance but from humility and openness to God. The passage underscores the idea that spiritual truth is not reserved for the privileged or the self-important but is accessible to those who approach God with childlike simplicity and trust.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and our place in the world. Like Assyria, we may be tempted to trust in our own strength and forget the source of our blessings. Yet, Jesus calls us to a different path: one of humility, gratitude, and reliance on God. In our daily lives, let us strive to cultivate this humility, recognizing that true wisdom and strength come not from ourselves but from the Lord. May we, like the “little ones,” remain open to God’s revelation and trust in His providence, even when the world around us seems to glorify power and self-reliance.