Here are some of the main themes in the Mass readings for the 20th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Isaiah 56:1,6-7
All who observe what is right and do what is just, even foreigners from distant lands, will serve and follow the Lord.
God will bring all who follow him to the holy mountain, and there will be a house of prayer for all peoples.
Psalm – 67:2-3,5-6,8
“O God, let all the nations praise you!”
May God’s ways be known to all peoples, and all the ends of the earth fear the Lord.
2nd Reading – Romans 11:13-15,29-32
Paul, a minister to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), gives glory that he can do his ministry to make his own race jealous and thus save some of them.
Paul’s hope is that as God’s gifts to the Jews are irrevocable, the Lord’s mercy will extend to those who have rejected Jesus.
Gospel – Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus, traveling through the region of Tyre and Sidon, encounters a persistent Canaanite woman who is calling for help for her daughter who is tormented by a demon.
Through their dialogue, Jesus heals the girl on account of her mother’s faith.
St. Paul speaks of sorrow and anguish about his own people who have rejected the Good News, echoing a similar pain that many people today express about their own loved ones. How do we move forward? By prayer and personal witness of God’s grace in our lives.
Moses reminds the people of God’s mighty actions on their behalf, exhorting them to follow the Lord’s commandments and decrees all the days of their lives.
On this feast of St. Lawrence, deacon and martyr, we recognize the Paschal Mystery of Jesus as the model for our generous and cheerful sacrifices that we offer to God.
After reconnoitering the promised land and finding it fruitful, the scouts begin to raise doubts about the strength and ferocity of the people living there.
At the resentful complaint of Aaron and Miriam about Moses, God responds with anger and punishment, reminding us that jealousy is an ugly vice to guard against at all times.
Let’s explore some of the themes in the readings for Mass on this 19th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – 1st Kings 19:9a,11-13a
Elijah takes shelter in a cave at Horeb and encounters mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire…but the Lord is not present in these natural forces.
Elijah then hears a tiny whispering sound, and he recognizes the Lord in the whisper.
Psalm – 85:9-14
“Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
We listen to God, and encounter kindness and truth, justice and peace.
2nd Reading – Romans 9:1-5
Paul is in anguish for his own people, the children of Israel, and would wish himself accursed for their sake.
Paul acknowledges that the promises to the Israelites are the glory of the covenants and promises of salvation history, which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is over all.
Gospel – Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus dismisses the crowds and goes up the mountain to pray while the disciples are in a boat being tossed about by a storm.
Jesus walks on the water to the disciples, and Peter calls out to him and begins to walk on the water.
When Peter sees the strength of the storm he starts to sink, and Jesus rescues him.
The Transfiguration of the Lord brings both consolation and challenge to our hearts. We are consoled by the glory of God revealed on the mountaintop, yet we are challenged to prepare for the moment when we will stand before the Risen Lord on the day of judgment.
Three Great Things 