The first reading from the Book of Micah highlights the prophet's love for the fields located in the region between the central mountain range and the Mediterranean coastland. Called "Shephelah" (from the Hebrew word shephal which means "to fall"), the area was famous for its rolling hills and pleasant fields. Micah mourned, and even cursed their loss. He is angered by the way in which the wealthy covert the fields at night and seize them in the morning. Even worse, the evil deeds which were dreamt at night were carried out unashamedly in open daylight. It is most likely that rich landowners from Jerusalem confiscated the land at the expense of the poor. Micah proclaims that this deceitful and evil act is detested by the Lord.

The psalm highlights the cry of the poor man to God against the ways of the wicked man who is full of curses, guile, oppression, mischief and deceit. And God responds in the most unbelievable way. God's love for the poor is manifested in the one who himself became poor, Jesus. He is the Servant of the Lord as prophesied by the prophet Isaiah. Although Jesus was aware of the rising opposition to him, he continued his healing activity and avoided publicity. His modesty and gentleness in the face of hostility are viewed as fulfilment of Isaiah's prophecy. By refusing to respond with violence against the Pharisees, Jesus humbles himself. By this, Jesus shows that through mercy and humility, we can still become an instrument of God in the face of deceit, wickedness and oppression.