Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 6, 2024
First Reading: Amos 9.11-15
11In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:12That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.13Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt.14And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.15And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.
Psalm 85
1LORD, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob.2Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah.3Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger.4Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease.5Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?6Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?7Shew us thy mercy, O LORD, and grant us thy salvation.8I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.9Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him; that glory may dwell in our land.10Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.11Truth shall spring out of the earth; and righteousness shall look down from heaven.12Yea, the LORD shall give that which is good; and our land shall yield her increase.13Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.
Gospel: Matthew 9.14-17
14Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?15And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.16No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.17Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and renewal. The prophet Amos envisions a future where God restores the tabernacle of David, rebuilding and cultivating the land, promising a time of abundance and peace. This prophecy speaks of a divine plan to bring prosperity to His people, emphasizing trust in God's promise of restoration. In the Gospel, Jesus uses metaphors to illustrate the newness He brings, comparing His presence to a joyful wedding and the need for new structures to hold the new wine of His teachings. He highlights that His time with the disciples is one of celebration, but also prepares them for a future without His physical presence, where fasting will have its place.
Both readings underscore the theme of renewal and the necessity of embracing change. Amos's vision and Jesus's teachings remind us that God's work is ever-evolving, requiring us to adapt and trust in His plan. Just as old wineskins cannot contain new wine, our old ways of thinking and being must give way to the new life Christ offers.
In our daily lives, this means staying open to the Spirit's leading, embracing change, and trusting in God's timing. As we face challenges, we can find hope in knowing that God is always working towards renewal. Let us remain joyful and open, allowing God to cultivate new life in us, just as He promised to restore His people.