Mary’s Magnificat gives glory to God for the marvelous things that the Lord has done. Her song of praise becomes our own as we follow her example and offer our lives for her son, Jesus Christ.
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.
Catholic Inspiration – Podcast Archives of Homilies & Talks
Three Great Things 