Daily Mass Readings – Tuesday, 18 July 2028

1 And it came to pass in the days of Achaz the son of Joathan, the son of Ozias, king of Juda, that Basin king of Syria, and Phacee the son of Romelia king of Israel, came up to Jerusalem, to fight against it: but they could not prevail over it.

2 And they told the house of David, saying: Syria hath rested upon Ephraim, and his heart was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind.

3 And the Lord said to Isaias: Go forth to meet Achaz, thou and Jasub thy son that is left, to the conduit of the upper pool, a in the way of the fuller’s held.

4 And thou shalt say to him: See thou be quiet: fear not, and let not thy heart be afraid of the two tails of these fire brands, smoking with the wrath of the fury of Rasin king of Syria, and of the son of Romelia.

5 Because Syria hath taken counsel against thee, unto the evil of Ephraim and the son of Romelia, saying:

6 Let us go up to Juda, and rouse it up, and draw it away to us, and make the son of Tabeel king in the midst thereof.

7 Thus saith the Lord God: It shall not stand, and this shall not be.

8 But the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Basin: and within threescore and five years, Ephraim shall cease to be a people:

9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria and the head of Samaria the son of Romelia. If you will not believe, you shall not continue.

R. (9d) God upholds his city for ever.

2 Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

3a With the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded.

R. God upholds his city for ever.

3b On the sides of the north, the city of the great king.

4 In her houses shall God be known, when he shall protect her.

R. God upholds his city for ever.

5 For behold the kings of the earth assembled themselves: they gathered together.

6 So they saw, and they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved:

R. God upholds his city for ever.

7 Trembling took hold of them. There were pains as of a woman in labour.

8 With a vehement wind thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.

R. God upholds his city for ever.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

8 If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein were done the most of his miracles, for that they had not done penance.

21 Woe to thee, Corozain, woe to thee, Bethsaida: for if in Tyre and Sidon had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in you, they had long ago done penance in sackcloth and ashes.

22 But I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment, than for you.

23 And thou Capharnaum, shalt thou be exalted up to heaven? thou shalt go down even unto hell. For if in Sodom had been wrought the miracles that have been wrought in thee, perhaps it had remained unto this day.

24 But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

When danger surrounded Jerusalem, the Lord told his people to be quiet, refuse fear, and trust that the plans against them would not stand. The psalm echoes this confidence: God upholds his city, and his presence is known in the houses he protects. Yet the Gospel reveals that divine help and mighty works do not bear fruit automatically. Corozain, Bethsaida, and Capharnaum had witnessed the Lord’s miracles, but they had not repented.

These readings place trust and conversion together. Faith is more than receiving reassurance when trouble comes or marveling at God’s power. It means allowing his voice to change the direction of our lives. “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts” is both a warning and an act of mercy. The Lord gives signs, speaks peace, and protects; he also asks for a response. We can bring him our fears honestly, then listen for the repentance he seeks—perhaps a wrong attitude surrendered, a sin confessed, or an obedience delayed no longer. God’s steadfast care becomes fruitful when it leads us back to him.

Lord God, when fear shakes my heart, teach me to be quiet before you and to trust your faithful protection. Keep me from becoming hardened by the graces, signs, and guidance you give. Grant me the humility to recognize your voice and the courage to repent when your word reveals what must change. May your mercy lead me beyond passing admiration into lasting obedience. Establish your peace within me, and make my life a place where your presence is known. Through Jesus Christ, give me a believing heart that responds generously to your call. Amen.