Daily Readings for July 30, 2017

1ST READING

Solomon was a wise man and wanted to be a good ruler of the people. Unfortunately, he was overwhelmed by power and wealth later on, and like other kings, he imposed burdensome taxes and laws that made the people resent him. Those kings cause the corruption of the monarchy.

1 Kings 3:5, 7-12

5 The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” 7 Solomon answered: O Lord, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act. 8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted. 9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?” 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon made this request. 11 So God said to him: “Because you have asked for this — not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right — 12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”

P S A L M

Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130

R: Lord, I love your commands.

57 I have said, O Lord, that my part is to keep your words. 72 The law of your mouth is to me more precious than thousands of gold and silver pieces. (R) 76 Let your kindness comfort me according to your promise to your servants. 77 Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (R) 127 For I love your commands more than gold, however fine. 128 For in all your precepts I go forward; every false way I hate. (R) 129 Wonderful are your decrees; therefore I observe them. 130 The revelation of your words sheds light, giving understanding to the simple. (R)

2ND READING

God can bring good out of anything that happens. While trials will not immediately be seen as good, it can bring out the good in us. Jesus said that we will always have the poor with us. We will always have opportunities to show our love for one another.

Romans 8:28-30

28 Brothers and sisters: We know that all things work for good for  those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined he also called; and those he called he also justified; and those he justified he also glorified.

GOSPEL

Life is like a sieve. We always sort things out and discard what we do not want and treasure those we love. It is different with faith. God is always present and He teaches us lessons during difficult times that we will remember for the good times ahead. He ensures that every event has a redeeming value.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Blessed are you Father, Lord of heaven and earth; for you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.

Matthew 13:44-52

44 Jesus said to his disciples: “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field, which a person finds and hides again, and out of joy goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 When he finds a pearl of great price, he goes and sells all that he has and buys it. 47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collects fish of every kind. 48 When it is full they haul it ashore and sit down to put what is good into buckets. What is bad they throw away. 49 Thus it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be wailing and grinding of teeth. 51 “Do you understand all these things?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 And he replied, “Then every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.”