16TH THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Matthew 13:10-17) - THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

“To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” (Mt 13:12)

FIRST READING - 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20b

A reading from the Book of Exodus

In the third month after their departure from the land of Egypt,

on its first day, the children of Israel came to the desert of Sinai.

After the journey from Rephidim to the desert of Sinai,

they pitched camp.

While Israel was encamped here in front of the mountain,

the LORD told Moses,

"I am coming to you in a dense cloud,

so that when the people hear me speaking with you,

they may always have faith in you also."

When Moses, then, had reported to the LORD the response of the people,

the LORD added, "Go to the people

and have them sanctify themselves today and tomorrow.

Make them wash their garments and be ready for the third day;

for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai

before the eyes of all the people."

On the morning of the third day

there were peals of thunder and lightning,

and a heavy cloud over the mountain,

and a very loud trumpet blast,

so that all the people in the camp trembled.

But Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God,

and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain.

Mount Sinai was all wrapped in smoke,

for the LORD came down upon it in fire.

The smoke rose from it as though from a furnace,

and the whole mountain trembled violently.

The trumpet blast grew louder and louder, while Moses was speaking

and God answering him with thunder.

When the LORD came down to the top of Mount Sinai,

he summoned Moses to the top of the mountain.

GOSPEL OF THE DAY - 13:10-17

From the Gospel according to Matthew

The disciples approached Jesus and said,

"Why do you speak to the crowd in parables?"

He said to them in reply,

"Because knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven

has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted.

To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich;

from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.

This is why I speak to them in parables, because

they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand.

Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says:

You shall indeed hear but not understand,

you shall indeed look but never see.

Gross is the heart of this people,

they will hardly hear with their ears,

they have closed their eyes,

lest they see with their eyes

and hear with their ears

and understand with their hearts and be converted

and I heal them.

"But blessed are your eyes, because they see,

and your ears, because they hear.

Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people

longed to see what you see but did not see it,

and to hear what you hear but did not hear it."

16TH THURSDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Gospel (Matthew 13:10-17)

THE WORD OF GOD FOR EVERYONE

Dear People of God,

In today’s Gospel, Jesus Christ speaks about the blessings and graces granted by God—namely, the Word of God, which is given to each person’s soul.

God reveals that not everyone is able to receive the graces He bestows. Only those souls who fear the Lord, who recognize themselves as small and lowly creatures before the Almighty, are able to listen to, comprehend, and receive the Word of God as He reveals the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven, and puts it into practice in their lives.

God also reveals that there are people who are considered wise and righteous, but they do not come to know the Word of God or the mysteries and graces that He gives, because they do not open their hearts to receive His Word.

In contrast, the true disciples of God and the lowly—because they possess simple and humble hearts, humble themselves before God, and know how to listen—are able to understand His Word. They come to know the graces and revelations concerning the Kingdom of Heaven, as well as the path that God has prepared for humanity.

The Word of God also reminds each of His disciples today that God grants grace to each person according to their faith in Him. As the Word of God said: “For to everyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich.” Therefore, those who have faith will receive even more from God, so that their faith may remain strong and they may continue to place their trust in the Word of God the Father.

God will pour out His grace upon those who are faithful and loyal. Therefore, He invites His disciples to always trust in Him and remain faithful to the prophetic mission He has entrusted to them.

Thanks be to God. Amen.

19:00 July 24th, 2025 - Prayer of Divine Mercy - The Way to Heaven