Daily Readings for July 7, 2019

1st READING 

Isaiah exhorts us to rejoice in the victory and power of the Lord’s work. The exile is over and life is returning to its former glory in Jerusalem. For Christians, this describes the joy we will receive in heaven. Even though we are not yet there, we keep on hoping we will get there. Hope motivates us to continue our work in God’s Kingdom.

Isaiah 66:10-14

10 Thus says the Lord: Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad because of her, all you who love her; exult, exult with her, all you who were mourning over her! 11 Oh, that you may suck fully of the milk of her comfort, that you may nurse with delight at her abundant breasts! 12 For thus says the Lord: Lo, I will spread prosperity over Jerusalem like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing torrent. As nurslings, you shall be carried in her arms, and fondled in her lap; 13 as a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; in Jerusalem you shall find your comfort. 14 When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bodies flourish like the grass; the Lord’s power shall be known to his servants.

PSALM

Psalm 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20

R: Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.

1 Shout joyfully to God, all you on earth, 2 sing praise to the glory of his name; proclaim his glorious praise. 3 Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds! (R) 4 Let all on earth worship and sing praise to you, sing praise to your name!” 5 Come and see the works of God, his tremendous deeds among the children of Adam. (R) 6 He has changed the sea into dry land; through the river they passed on foot; therefore, let us rejoice in him. 7 He rules by his might forever. (R) 16 Hear now, all you who fear God, while I declare what he has done for me. 20 Blessed be God who refused me not my prayer or his kindness! (R)

2nd READING 

Living as a Christian involves embracing Jesus’ cross and His victory. He died for us and won victory over sin. Let us embrace our own crosses and difficulties in life. By our perseverance we will experience Christ’s victory. However, let us remember that Jesus shares His victory through our sufferings.

Galatians 6:14-18

14 Brothers and sisters: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision, but only a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. 17 From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.  

GOSPEL

Jesus sends out His disciples to preach the Gospel and to heal in His name. We, too, have been sent on the same mission and to pray for miracles in support of the Gospel. We need to have expectant faith—a faith that truly expects that God will perform signs and wonders as we proclaim the Gospel. 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Luke 10:1-9 (or Luke 10:1-12, 17-20)

1 At that time, the Lord appointed seventy-two others whom he sent ahead of him in pairs to every town and place he intended to visit. 2 He said to them, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest. 3 Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves. 4 Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way. 5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this household.’ 6 If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7 Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves his payment. Do not move about from one house to another. 8 Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, 9 cure the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God is at hand for you.’”

Credits to: www.kerygmafamily.com