Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 2, 2020
First Reading: Amos 7.10-17
10And Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying: "Amos has rebelled against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to withstand all his sermons11For Amos says this: ‘Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel will be taken captive out of their own land.’ 12And Amaziah said to Amos, "You, seer, go out and flee into the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there13And in Bethel, do not prophesy any longer, because it is the king’s sanctuary, and it is the house of the kingdom.14And Amos responded, and he said to Amasias, "I am not a prophet, and I am not the son of a prophet, but I am a herdsman plucking from wild fig trees15And the Lord took me, when I was following the flock, and the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ 16And now, hear the word of the Lord: You say, "You will not prophesy about Israel, and you will not rain your words upon the house of the idol.17Because of that, the Lord says this: "Your wife will fornicate in the city, and your sons and your daughters will fall by the sword, and your soil will be measured with a string. And you will die on polluted land, and Israel will be taken into captivity out of their land.
Psalm 19
1Unto the end. A Psalm of David. The heavens describe the glory of God, and the firmament announces the work of his hands2Day proclaims the word to day, and night to night imparts knowledge3There are no speeches or conversations, where their voices are not being heard4Their sound has gone forth through all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world5He has placed his tabernacle in the sun, and he is like a bridegroom coming out of his bedroom. He has exulted like a giant running along the way6his departure is from the summit of heaven. And his course reaches all the way to its summit. Neither is there anyone who can hide himself from his heat7The law of the Lord is immaculate, converting souls. The testimony of the Lord is faithful, providing wisdom to little ones8The justice of the Lord is right, rejoicing hearts. The precepts of the Lord are brilliant, enlightening the eyes9The fear of the Lord is holy, enduring for all generations. The judgments of the Lord are true, justified in themselves10desirable beyond gold and many precious stones, and sweeter than honey and the honeycomb11For, indeed, your servant keeps them, and in keeping them, there are many rewards12Who can understand transgression? From my hidden faults, cleanse me, O Lord13and from those of others, spare your servant. If they will have no dominion over me, then I will be immaculate, and I will be cleansed from the greatest transgression14And the eloquence of my mouth will be so as to please, along with the meditation of my heart, in your sight, forever, O Lord, my helper and my redeemer
Gospel: Matthew 9.1-8
1And climbing into a boat, he crossed the sea, and he arrived at his own city2And behold, they brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Be strengthened in faith, son; your sins are forgiven you.3And behold, some of the scribes said within themselves, "He is blaspheming.4And when Jesus had perceived their thoughts, he said: "Why do you think such evil in your hearts5Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk?6But, so that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins," he then said to the paralytic, "Rise up, take up your bed, and go into your house.7And he arose and went into his house8Then the crowd, seeing this, was frightened, and they glorified God, who gave such power to men
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that highlight the courage and authority that come from fulfilling God's will. The first reading from Amos describes the prophet's confrontation with Amaziah, a priest who rejects Amos' prophecies and orders him to leave. Amos, though not a professional prophet, stands firm in his calling, emphasizing that his role is divinely appointed. He boldly pronounces judgment on Amaziah, illustrating the unwavering commitment required when speaking God's truth.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus healing a paralytic man, demonstrating His divine authority to forgive sins and perform miracles. Despite the skepticism of the scribes, Jesus' actions affirm His power and compassion. This story underscores the transformative impact of faith and trust in God's plan.
Both readings remind us that living according to God's will often requires courage in the face of opposition. Amos and Jesus exemplify this courage, showing us that true faith leads to action and trust in divine providence. In our daily lives, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, even when faced with adversity, and to trust that God's plan will guide us through all challenges.