Texts taken from the missal “On Your Word,” July-August 2025
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time (C)
2nd week, psalter
FIRST READING
From the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (Is 66:10-14c)
Rejoice with Jerusalem, exult in her, all you who love her. Rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourned for her. Thus you will be nursed and satisfied at her consoling breast; you will drink deeply and delight in the abundance of her glory. For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will make peace flow toward her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream. You will be nursed and carried in her arms, and fondled on her knees. As a mother comforts a son, so I will comfort you; in Jerusalem you will be comforted. You will see this, and your heart will rejoice, your bones will flourish like grass. The hand of the Lord will make itself known to his servants.” - The Word of God.
Commentary on the First Reading
God comforts us. This is a beautiful truth that we often forget, however. This means that he is close to each one of us and knows what difficult situations we face in our lives. For a reason known only to him, he does not spare us the burden or suffering associated with certain situations we would gladly do without. Yet, through his presence and blessing, he accompanies and strengthens us. Have you ever thought that God treats you as the most caring of mothers treats her own little child? He cares for you, nourishes you, and makes sure that you can grow until you reach the fullness of adult life: this means that he comforts and encourages you on your journey through life. Do you turn to him in every difficulty, or do you ungratefully complain about his absence?
SECOND READING
From the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to the Galatians (Gal 6:14-18)
Brothers and sisters, as for me, may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but only a new creation. And peace and mercy be upon all who follow this rule, and upon the Israel of God. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen. - The word of God.
Commentary on the second reading
The words of Saint Paul are powerful and, in some respects, also difficult. After experiencing Jewish religiosity and converting to the message of Jesus Christ, he says that there is nothing else he wishes to boast about except the cross. This means that this infamous and accursed instrument of torture instead becomes the best guarantee of the love that God has revealed to us in his Son Jesus. The suffering and humiliation of the Son of God are the signature of God's eternal love for each one of us. For this reason, Paul can rejoice and sing the praises of Christ's cross. God often acts precisely by starting from humility and contempt, because what people arrogantly reject may have a fundamental role in God's plans.
GOSPEL
From the Gospel according to Luke (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20)
At that time, the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every city and place where he himself was about to go. He said to them: «The harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few! Therefore, ask the lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest! Go: behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves; carry no purse, no bag, no sandals, and do not stop to greet anyone along the way. Whatever house you enter, first say, “Peace to this house!”. If there is a son of peace, your peace will rest upon him; otherwise, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking what they have, because the laborer deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house. Whenever you enter a city and they welcome you, eat what is offered to you, cure the sick in it, and say to them: “The kingdom of God is near you”. But whenever you enter a city and they do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say: “Even the dust of your city that clings to our feet, we shake off against you; yet know this: the kingdom of God is near”. I tell you, on that day Sodom will be treated less harshly than that city». The seventy-two returned full of joy, saying: «Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name». He said to them: «I watched Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you the power to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy: nothing can harm you. Yet do not rejoice because the demons submit to you; rejoice rather because your names are written in heaven». –
The word of the Lord.
Commentary on the Gospel
The apostles and disciples are tempted to boast and rejoice that they have the same powers as Jesus. But the Lord invites them to focus on what is essential: they are invited to rejoice not so much because they do what the Master does, but because one day they will share his same glory in heaven. God does not forget those who do something good for him; therefore, he cannot forget those who dedicate their time and lives to the Gospel and the proclamation of the word of salvation. Do not be afraid: nothing you do with the right intention, to please God and to help others know his love and mercy, will be forgotten by him. He will also write your name in heaven, and no one will ever erase it.
