Daily Readings for July 10, 2016

1ST READING

It is not enough to hear and know God’s will — we must also obey it. This is the example that Jesus gave with His life, one that the saints have imitated well. Are we going to follow in the footsteps of the saints or miss out on the grace that God gives us every day?

Deuteronomy 30:10-14

10 Moses said to the people: If only you would heed the voice of the Lord, your God, and keep his commandments and statutes that are written in this book of the law, when you return to the Lord, your God, with all your heart and all your soul. 11 For this command that I enjoin on you today is not too mysterious and remote for you. 12 It is not up in the sky, that you should say, ‘Who will go up in the sky to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ 13 Nor is it across the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea to get it for us and tell us of it, that we may carry it out?’ 14 No, it is something very near to you, already in your mouths and in your hearts; you have only to carry it out.”

P S A L M

Psalm 69:14, 17, 30-31, 33-34, 36, 37

R: Turn to the Lord in your need, and you will live.

13 [14] I pray to you, O Lord, for the time of your favor, O God! In your great kindness answer me with your constant help. 16 [17] Answer me, O Lord, for bounteous is your kindness; in your great mercy turn toward me. (R) 29 [30] I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help, O God, protect me. 30 [31] I will praise the name of God in song, and I will glorify him with thanksgiving. (R) 32 [33] “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, may your hearts  be revive! 33 [34] For the Lord hears the poor, and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.” (R) 35 [36] For God will save Zion and rebuild the cities of Judah. 36 [37] The descendants of his servants shall inherit it, and those who love his name shall inhabit it. (R)

2ND READING

Christ is the Head of the Church. The Pope is His appointed representative here on earth. Bishops, priests and all Christians are called to give witness to the Gospel in various ways. We keep alive and active both the memory and the reality of Christ’s work in us through the Church.

Colossians 1:15-20

15 Christ Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn ofall creation. 16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things were created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he himself might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile all things for him, making peace by the blood of his cross through him, whether those on earth or those in heaven.

GOSPEL

If love is the fulfillment of the Law, then we need to love at all times. This is the great gift that Christians bring to human society — the values of the Gospel over and above humanism. If we are faithful to this calling, then we will see a radical transformation from the individualism of the West to a united and coherent expression of solidarity as we await our redemption.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Your words, Lord, are Spirit and life; you have the words of everlasting life.

Luke 10:25-37

25 There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test Jesus and said, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?” 27 He said in reply, “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 He replied to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But because he wished to justify himself, he said to  esus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 32 Likewise a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. 33 But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. 34 He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, ‘Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ 36 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers’ victim?” 37 He answered, “The one who treated him with mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”