The first reading from the Book of Micah describes the anger felt by the prophet at the way wealthy people covert and seize the fields owned by the poor.

He is particularly angry at the way the wealthy, most likely rich landowners from Jerusalem, hurriedly confiscated the land that they want at the expense of the poor. In a way, the evil desires which they dream of at night are carried out unashamedly in open daylight. Micah proclaims that the Lord detests this deceitful and evil act.

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. 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 Isaiah.

Although Jesus was aware of the rising opposition to him, he continues his healing activity and avoids publicity. His modesty and gentleness in the face of hostility are viewed as the 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 instruments of God in the face of deceit, wickedness and oppression.