Daily Readings for July 5, 2016

1ST READING

Apostasy is one of the root forms of sin. That is, we make money, fame or another person more important than God. He rightfully claims first place in our lives. We should never dethrone God from that place. We should glorify Him alone.

Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13

4 Thus says the Lord: They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority; they established princes, but without my approval. With their silver and gold they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction. 5 Cast away your calf, O Samaria! My wrath is kindled against them; how long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel? 6 The work of an artisan no god at all, destined for the flames — such is the calf of Samaria! 7 When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind; the stalk of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour; Even if it could, strangers would swallow it. 11 When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin. 12 Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger’s. 13 Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh and eat it, the Lord is not pleased with them. He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins; they shall return to Egypt.

P S A L M

Psalm 115:3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: The house of Israel trusts in the Lord.

3 Our God is in heaven; whatever he wills, he does. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the handiwork of men. (R) 5 They have mouths but speak not; they have eyes but see not; 6 They have ears but hear not; they have noses but smell not. (R) 7 They have hands but feel not; they have feet but walk not. 8 Their makers shall be like them, everyone that trusts in them. (R)

GOSPEL

The Holy Spirit is crying out for laborers for the harvest. This means that  grace is available for us to be ministers of salvation but we have to act on it. God wants all people to be saved, but someone has to bring the Gospel to each and every person in the world. More than the service of the priests and bishops, the laity is also called to be ministers of the Gospel to the multitudes.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord; I know my sheep, and mine know me.

Matthew 9:32-38

32 A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, 33 and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of   demons.” 35 Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. 36 At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; 38 so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”