Daily Readings for July 7, 2016

1ST READING

Today we read about the beautiful love language of God. He loves His people the way a mother loves her child. Even though the people have wronged Him, God’s anger abates when He remembers how much He loves them. Let us open our hearts to receive God’s forgiving and transforming love. His love will strengthen and enable us to resist temptation — the temptation to reject His love and turn away from Him.

Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9

1 Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. 2 The more I called them, the farther they went from me, sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. 3 yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; 4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. 8 My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. 9 I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.

P S A L M

Psalm 80:2, 3, 15-16

R: Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken. From your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power. (R) 15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see: Take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R)

GOSPEL

Jesus empowers us to proclaim the Gospel to others. He will work miracles through us if we let Him. We must entrust to Jesus this ministry in faith. If we pray for a deep faith, then the world will be transformed.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel.

Matthew 10:7-15

7 Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. 9 Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 10 no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. 11 Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 12 As you enter a house, wish it peace. 13 If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. 14 Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words — go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. 15 Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”