Daily Readings for July 14, 2016

1ST READING

Isaiah praises those who live righteously and assures them of their heavenly reward. Unfortunately, this is the reality we have to contend with. Our reward is more likely going to be in heaven and not here on earth. We may taste a bit of it here but ultimately our fulfillment will be in heaven.

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19

7 The way of the just is smooth; the path of the just you make level. 8 Yes, for your way and your judgments, O Lord, we look to you; your name and your title are the desire of our souls. 9 My soul yearns for you in the night, yes, my spirit within me keeps vigil for you; when your judgment dawns upon the earth, the world’s inhabitants learn justice. 12 O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. 16 O Lord, you mete out peace to us, for it is you who have accomplished all we have done. O Lord, oppressed by your punishment, we cried out in anguish under your chastising. 17 As a woman about to give birth writhes and cries out in her pains, so were we in your presence, O Lord. 18 We conceived and writhed in pain, giving birth to wind; salvation we have not achieved for the earth, the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth. 19 But your dead shall live; their corpses shall rise. Awake and sing, you who lie in the dust. For your dew is a dew of light, and the land of shades gives birth.

P S A L M

Psalm 102:13-14, 15, 16-18, 19-21

R: From heaven the Lord looks down on the earth.

12 [13] You, O Lord, abide forever, and your name through all generations. 13 [14] You will arise and have mercy on Zion, for it is time to pity her. 14 [15] For her stones are dear to your servants, and her dust moves them to pity. (R) 15 [16] The nations shall revere your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth your glory, 16 [17] when the Lord has rebuilt Zion and appeared in his glory; 17 [18] when he has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and not despised their prayer. (R) 18 [19] Let this be written for the generation to come, and let his future creatures praise the Lord: 19 [20] The Lord looked down from his holy height, from heaven he beheld the earth 20 [21] to hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those doomed to die. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus promises to help us with our burdens. This gives us hope, especially when we are struggling. Jesus will never abandon someone who humbly comes to Him for help. Jesus’ call is always accompanied by the grace to make it happen. We have a mighty and generous God. Let us always avail of the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 Jesus said: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and  I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”