Daily Readings for July 12, 2018

1st READING

Today’s reading is a moving declaration of God’s love. It is a different understanding of His relationship with us. Saints like Bernard of Clairvaux and others focus on understanding this amazing love.

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

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

GOSPEL 

We cannot force people to believe and have faith. Each person is given a choice whether to follow Jesus or not on the path of salvation. Sometimes, it is tempting to coerce people into having faith in God and to justify that it is for their own good. But faith is a free choice made in favor of God. Let us win people to the faith by witness and love, not by coercion and false pretenses.  

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.”