Daily Bible Reading - August 16,2020

 

TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

1st READING

Today’s reading foreshadows the inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God and the salvation of all. Isaiah’s words include the Gentiles in God’s work and promises. This is a good thing, or else we might not be disciples of Jesus today. We have a responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to all people. Only by Jesus’ name can anyone be saved.

Isaiah 56:1, 6-7

1 Thus says the Lord: Observe what is right, do what is just; for my salvation is about to come, my justice, about to be revealed. 6 The foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, ministering to him, loving the name of the Lord, and becoming his servants—all who keep the sabbath free from profanation and hold to my covenant— 7 them I will bring to my holy mountain and make joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be acceptable on my altar, for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

PSALM

Psalm 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R: O God, let all the nations praise you.

2 May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. 3 So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation. (R) 5 May the nations be glad and exult because you rule the peoples in equity; the nations on the earth you guide. (R) 6 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you! 8 May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth fear him! (R)

Paul cannot find a good explanation on why the Jews failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. But the only reason is the sin of pride. We face these challenges: pride in thinking we are beyond temptation; pride in thinking we are entitled to salvation; pride in thinking we are not at fault for our sins. Pride is insidious, and we need to overcome it. Let us prevent pride from distracting us from living out the Gospel.

Romans 11:13-15, 29-32

13 Brothers and sisters: I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I glory in my ministry 14 in order to make my race jealous and thus save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead? 29 For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable. 30 Just as you once disobeyed God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they have now disobeyed in order that, by virtue of the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. 32 For God delivered all to disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

GOSPEL

We need to get down on our knees and pray for miracles to happen in our churches. Jesus told His disciples that they would do greater things than He did. Where do we see that happening in the Church today? Have we ever seen a miracle occur? It is an amazing experience to see a miracle happen. It builds up our faith, so we can trust God to make more miracles.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Matthew 15:21-28

21 At that time, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a Canaanite woman of that district came and called out, “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.” 23 But Jesus did not say a word in answer to her. Jesus’ disciples came and asked him, “Send her away, for she keeps calling out after us.” 24 He said in reply, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But the woman came and did Jesus homage, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 He said in reply, “It is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” 27 She said, “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” 28 Then Jesus said to her in reply, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And the woman’s daughter was healed from that hour.

Reflect: “With God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

 

 

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