Daily Catholic Mass Readings for July 7, 2022
First Reading: Hosea 11.1, 3-5b, 8c-9
1"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.3It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.4I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.5"Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?8"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.9I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man- the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath.
Psalm 80
1Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock; you who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth2before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us.3Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.4O LORD God Almighty, how long will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.6You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us.7Restore us, O God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.8You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it.9You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.10The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches.11It sent out its boughs to the Sea, its shoots as far as the River.12Why have you broken down its walls so that all who pass by pick its grapes?13Boars from the forest ravage it and the creatures of the field feed on it.14Return to us, O God Almighty! Look down from heaven and see! Watch over this vine,15the root your right hand has planted, the son you have raised up for yourself.16Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire; at your rebuke your people perish.17Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.18Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.19Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.
Gospel: Matthew 10.7-15
7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.12As you enter the home, give it your greeting.13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s love, mercy, and the call to trust in His providence. In the first reading from Hosea, we hear of God’s deep affection for Israel, His chosen people, despite their infidelity and stubbornness. Hosea uses the image of a parent’s love, emphasizing how God has cared for Israel, healing and nurturing them, even when they wandered away. Yet, despite this love, Israel refuses to return to God, prompting a mixture of sorrow and restraint in God’s response. Hosea reminds us that God’s love is not like human love; it is patient, enduring, and always ready to forgive.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus sending out His disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus instructs them to trust in God’s providence, to go forth without material possessions, and to rely on the hospitality of others. This mission is not about personal gain or comfort but about bringing healing, hope, and peace to a world in need. The disciples are called to be messengers of God’s love, just as Hosea was called to speak to Israel. Both readings remind us that our lives are not our own; we are called to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.
These readings challenge us to examine our own trust in God and our willingness to live as His disciples. Do we, like the Israelites, resist God’s love and turn away from His call? Or do we, like the disciples, embrace the mission to bring God’s peace and healing to others? In our daily lives, we are called to live with simplicity, humility, and dependence on God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I trusting in God’s providence, or am I holding onto worldly securities? Am I willing to go forth and share God’s love, even when it requires sacrifice? The moral lesson is clear: God’s love is always near, and we are called to be its bearers in the world. Let us respond with faith, trust, and openness to His will.