From Law to Love | Catholic Daily Readings and Reflection | July 18, 2025

Catholic Daily Readings and Reflection for July 18, 2025 – Friday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Theme: From Rule-Keeping to Relationship with God

What does God care about more—rules or people?
Today’s readings take us on a journey from detailed Old Testament law to Christ-centered freedom, revealing how love has always been the true goal of God’s commandments.

In Exodus 11–12, we see the meticulous regulations of the first Passover, where every detail held life-and-death weight. Catholic commentary highlights how these laws weren’t random but designed to bring deliverance and identity to God’s people in a time of crisis.

Then in Matthew 12, Jesus walks with His disciples through a grainfield—and defends them for breaking Sabbath rules. He reminds His critics: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” And He declares something astounding: He is Lord of the Sabbath.

This Gospel passage doesn’t discard the law—it fulfills it. Jesus brings us back to the original heart of every command: not restriction, but restoration. Not checklist spirituality, but relationship with the living God.

The Psalm response offers a bridge between both covenants: “I will take the cup of salvation.” It points to the Eucharistic fulfillment of Passover and to Christ, our ultimate Lamb, who traded ritual for redemption.

This Catholic reflection explores how even modern Catholics can become accidental Pharisees—turning disciplines into burdens, and grace into pressure. But the Good News is that God never asked us to perform for His approval—only to respond to His love.

📖 Readings:
Exodus 11:10—12:14
Psalm 116:12–13, 15 and 16bc, 17–18
Matthew 12:1–8

⏱️ Timeline:
00:00 – Introduction
00:15 – Reading I: Exodus 11:10—12:14
02:33 – Psalm Response: Psalm 116:12–13,15,16bc,17–18
06:41 – Gospel: Matthew 12:1–8
07:41 – Reflection

Perfect for:

• Catholics exploring the connection between Passover and the Eucharist

• Christians struggling with legalism or spiritual perfectionism

• Anyone rethinking what obedience to God looks like through Jesus

• Viewers seeking grace-centered Catholic reflections grounded in Scripture

🟦 Tags
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