July 23, 2023 - 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

 

First Reading - Wis 12:13.16-19

    There is no god besides you who have the care of all, that you need show you have not unjustly condemned.

    For your might is the source of justice; your mastery over all things makes you lenient to all.

    For you show your might when the perfection of your power is disbelieved; and in those who know you, you rebuke temerity.

    But though you are master of might, you judge with clemency, and with much lenience you govern us; for power, whenever you will, attends you.

    And you taught your people, by these deeds, that those who are just must be kind; and you gave your children good ground for hope that you would permit repentance for their sins.

Responsorial Psalm - Ps 86 

R –Lord, you are good and forgiving!

* You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in kindness to all who call upon you. Hearken, O Lord, to my prayer and attend to the sound of my pleading. R.

* All the nations you have made shall come and worship you, O Lord, and glorify your name. For you are great, and you do wondrous deeds; you alone are God. R.

* You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in kindness and fidelity. Turn toward me, and have pity on me; give your strength to your servant. R.

Second Reading - Rom 8:26-27

    Brothers and sisters:

    The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will.

Gospel Acclamation - Mt 11:25

Alleluia! Alleluia! 
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the kingdom.
Alleluia! Alleluia!

Gospel - Mt 13:24-43 

    Jesus proposed another parable to the crowds, saying: “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who sowed good seed in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off.

    When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? Where have the weeds come from?’ He answered, ‘An enemy has done this.’ His slaves said to him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’ He replied, ‘No, if you pull up the weeds, you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until harvest; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters, “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”