Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 31, 2025
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 encounter profound reflections on God’s presence and the ultimate judgment. The first reading from Exodus describes the meticulous setup of the tabernacle, where Moses follows God’s instructions to create a sanctuary for His presence. The tabernacle, filled with God’s glory, serves as a physical manifestation of His dwelling among the Israelites, guiding them through a cloud by day and fire by night. This passage underscores the importance of obedience and the tangible presence of God in our lives.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus’ parable of the net, which gathers all kinds of fish, symbolizing the kingdom of heaven. This parable emphasizes the inevitability of judgment, where the righteous will be separated from the wicked. Jesus highlights the importance of understanding these teachings and living accordingly, much like a wise scribe who shares both old and new wisdom. Together, these readings remind us of the balance between God’s presence and our accountability to Him.
As we reflect on these passages, we are called to examine our lives. Just as the Israelites followed the cloud’s guidance, we must remain attentive to God’s presence and direction. Similarly, the parable of the net urges us to live righteously, prepared for the day when our actions will be judged. The moral lesson here is clear: our obedience and preparedness are essential. Let us strive to live in accordance with God’s will, ensuring that our actions reflect our commitment to eternal life with Him.