Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 12, 2018
First Reading: Hosea 11.1, 3-5b, 8c-9
1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.9I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
Psalm 80
1Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a flock; thou that dwellest between the cherubims, shine forth.2Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh stir up thy strength, and come and save us.3Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.4O LORD God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy people?5Thou feedest them with the bread of tears; and givest them tears to drink in great measure.6Thou makest us a strife unto our neighbours: and our enemies laugh among themselves.7Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.8Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.9Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land.10The hills were covered with the shadow of it, and the boughs thereof were like the goodly cedars.11She sent out her boughs unto the sea, and her branches unto the river.12Why hast thou then broken down her hedges, so that all they which pass by the way do pluck her?13The boar out of the wood doth waste it, and the wild beast of the field doth devour it.14Return, we beseech thee, O God of hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and visit this vine;15And the vineyard which thy right hand hath planted, and the branch that thou madest strong for thyself.16It is burned with fire, it is cut down: they perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.17Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man whom thou madest strong for thyself.18So will not we go back from thee: quicken us, and we will call upon thy name.19Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
Gospel: Matthew 10.7-15
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.9Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.11And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.12And when ye come into an house, salute it.13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on God's enduring love and our call to faith. The prophet Hosea paints a vivid picture of God's heart, overflowing with compassion for His people, despite their infidelity. God's mercy is not conditional but relentless, a love that heals and lifts up, even when we turn away. This passage reminds us of the depth of divine patience and the boundless forgiveness that defines our Creator.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. He calls them to trust in God's providence, to go forth without worldly attachments, and to share the message of peace and healing. This teaching challenges us to examine our own faith—do we trust God enough to step out in radical love and service? Jesus' words remind us that our mission is not about what we carry with us, but about the love and peace we bring to others.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to embrace a life of trust and compassion. Like the disciples, we are called to rely on God's provision and to share His love without reservation. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? How can I show His mercy to those around me? May we, like Hosea and the disciples, be instruments of God's love, bringing peace and hope to a world in need.