15 June 2024 - Daily Mass Readings

Saturday of week 10 in Ordinary Time 

Saturday memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
Liturgical Colour: Green. Year: B(II)
Readings at Mass
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First reading

1 Kings 19:19-21

Then Elisha left and followed Elijah.

Elijah set out, and came upon Elisha, son of Shaphat, as he was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen; he was following the twelfth. Elijah went over to him and threw his cloak over him. Elisha left the oxen, ran after Elijah, and said, “Please, let me kiss my father and mother goodbye, and I will follow you.” Elijah answered, “Go back! Have I done anything to you?” Elisha left him and, taking the yoke of oxen, slaughtered them; he used the plowing equipment for fuel to boil their flesh, and gave it to his people to eat. Then he left and followed Elijah as his attendant.

Commentary

1 Kings 19:19-21 describes the moment when the prophet Elijah calls Elisha to be his successor. This passage highlights themes of calling, commitment, and the response to God's invitation.

1. Elijah's Call: Elijah finds Elisha plowing and throws his cloak over him, symbolizing the transfer of prophetic authority and God's call to Elisha.

2. Immediate Response: Elisha leaves his oxen and runs after Elijah, showing his readiness to respond to God's call without hesitation.

3. Leaving the Past: Elisha asks to say goodbye to his parents, indicating his understanding of leaving his old life behind to embrace his new calling.

4. Sacrificial Commitment: Elisha sacrifices his oxen and cooks the meat with his plowing equipment, demonstrating his complete dedication to his new mission.

5. Serving as an Apprentice: Elisha follows Elijah and becomes his attendant, highlighting the importance of discipleship and preparation in fulfilling one's calling.

1 Kings 19:19-21 illustrates the profound response required when God calls us. Elisha's immediate and wholehearted acceptance, his willingness to leave his past, and his total commitment serve as powerful examples. This passage challenges us to be ready to answer God's call with dedication and faithfulness.

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Responsorial Psalm

Psalm 16:1b-2a and 5, 7-8, 9-10

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge;

    I say to the LORD, “My Lord are you.”

O LORD, my allotted portion and my cup,

    you it is who hold fast my lot.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

I bless the LORD who counsels me;

    even in the night my heart exhorts me.

I set the LORD ever before me;

    with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices,

    my body, too, abides in confidence;

Because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world,

    nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.

You are my inheritance, O Lord.

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Gospel Acclamation

Psalm 119:36a, 29b

Alleluia, alleluia.

Incline my heart, O God, to your decrees;

and favor me with your law.

Alleluia, alleluia.

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Gospel

Matthew 5:33-37

I say to you, do not swear at all.

Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said to your ancestors, Do not take a false oath, but make good to the Lord all that you vow. But I say to you, do not swear at all; not by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by the earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. Do not swear by your head, for you cannot make a single hair white or black. Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One.”

Commentary

Matthew 5:33-37, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and integrity in our speech, advising against the need for oaths.

1. Traditional Teaching: Jesus refers to the commandment to fulfill oaths made to the Lord, highlighting their seriousness in Jewish tradition.

2. Jesus' New Teaching: Jesus advises against making oaths, urging us to be so truthful that a simple "Yes" or "No" is enough.

3. Simplicity and Integrity: Jesus emphasizes integrity in our speech, making our words trustworthy without additional assurances.

4. Avoiding Deception: This teaching helps prevent manipulation of truth, promoting transparent and honest communication.

5. Reflecting God's Character: Our commitment to truthfulness reflects God's nature, building trust and honoring Him in our relationships.

Matthew 5:33-37 calls us to simplicity and integrity in our speech. Jesus urges us to make our "Yes" mean yes and our "No" mean no, reflecting God's character through honesty and building trust in our interactions.

Dear Lord,
Help us to speak with truth and integrity. May our words always reflect honesty and reliability. Strengthen us to live out Your teachings daily, honoring You through our commitment to simplicity and truthfulness. Amen.

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