Gospel: July 14, 2025
July 14, 2025 (Monday)
15th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 3 (Green/White)
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
Ps 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8
Our help is in the name of the Lord.
1st Reading: Exodus 1:8-14, 22
Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1
Do not think that I have come to establish peace on earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. Each one will have as enemies, those of one’s own family. Whoever loves father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. And whoever loves son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take up his cross and follow me, is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life, for my sake, will find it. Whoever welcomes you, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, welcomes him who sent me. The one who welcomes a prophet, as a prophet, will receive the reward of a prophet; the one who welcomes a just man, because he is a just man, will receive the reward of a just man. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones, because he is my disciple, I assure you, he will not go unrewarded.” When Jesus had finished giving his 12 disciples these instructions, he went on from there, to teach and to proclaim his message in their towns.
Reflection:
“The Just One who is the Truth.”
The Second Vatican Council taught that “peace is not merely the absence of war; nor can it be reduced solely to the maintenance of a balance of power between enemies; nor is it brought about by dictatorship.” Today’s first reading describes a situation of dictatorship, forced labor and violence to control the Israelites. Fearing their strength as they grew in number, Pharaoh wished to maintain peace through oppression. But true peace is the fruit of justice; injustice only bears the rotten fruits of fear and domination. No true or lasting peace will ever be achieved among people, whether in a family, community or nation, unless it is built upon truth and justice. And so, the road to reaching peace has many twists and turns, since disagreement belongs not only to opposition, but also to dialogue, as people struggle to understand what is right and just. This is why Christ’s coming brings division, rather than a false peace. Christ does not force us to welcome him; it is a free choice, one which is not shared by all. Yet, let us pray that the search for truth will finally bring all people to the Just One who is the Truth.
