Thursday – The Holy Martyrs of Gorcum

Invitation

May I take this opportunity to draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel?

This invitation is intended to share with you the joy
of the Gospel. Everyone, without exception,
can experience that joy by opening their hearts
to the healing power of God’s word.

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Consideration

Today we read from one of the most beautiful passages in Hosea. Hosea denounces idolatry and compares it to adultery, committed by Israel against God. Yet he is the prophet of God’s faithful love. His love never fails. He waits for their return. He is God, not a human being. His love is greater than any unfaithfulness. This passage speaks of a tender love that never wavers. ‘Protect what your own hand has planted,’ echoes Psalm 80. Here, the Old Testament briefly touches upon the New. A father standing watch until the prodigal son returns. A bridegroom waiting for his bride. God waiting for Israel.

FIRST READING                           Hos. 11:1, 3–4, 8c–9

My heart skips a beat.

From the prophet Hosea

Thus says the Lord:
“When Israel was still a child, I loved him;
and out of Egypt I called my son.
“It was I
who taught Ephraim to walk;
who took him by the arms.
“Yet he would not acknowledge
that it was I who sustained him.
“With gentle leads I guided him,
with reins of love.
“I was to him like those
who lift the yoke when it presses against the jaws.
“I gave him his food.

“My heart is moved,
my very being is softened.
“No, I will not quench my burning anger,
nor bring Ephraim to ruin again,
for I am God, not a man,
I am the Holy One in your midst.
“I will not give free rein to my anger.”

INTERLUDIUM                       Ps. 80(79), 2ac, 3b, 15–16

God of hosts, restore us;
smile upon us again, and we shall be saved.

Shepherd of Israel, hear us,
You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, appear in splendour
and bring Your might into the battle.

God of hosts, return to us,
look down from heaven and tend to your vineyard.
Protect what your own hand has planted,
the sapling you have nurtured.

ALLELUIA                          cf. Acts 16:14b

Alleluia.
Open our hearts, Lord,
that we may heed the word of your Son.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL                        Mt 10:7–15

You received without payment; give without payment.

From the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
Matthew

At that time, Jesus said to the Twelve:
“As you go, proclaim:
‘The Kingdom of Heaven is near.’
“Heal the sick, raise the dead,
cleanse those with leprosy and drive out demons.
“You received without payment; give without payment.
“Do not, therefore, acquire gold, silver or copper,
to fill your belts with them.
“Nor take a travelling bag for the journey,
no extra tunic, no sandals or staff,
for the labourer is worthy of his keep.
“When you enter a town or village, find out
who is worthy to receive you,
and stay there until you leave again.
“When you enter that house,
offer your greeting of peace;
and if it is worthy,
may your peace come upon that house,
but if it is not worthy,
then let your peace return to you.
“If anywhere they do not receive you,
and do not listen to your words,
then leave that house or that town,
and shake the dust from your feet.
“Truly, I say to you:
On the Day of Judgement,
it will be more bearable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah
than for that town.”

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Laudato Si

Encyclical of

POPE FRANCIS 

On the Care of Our Common Home by Pope Francis

171. The strategy of buying and selling emission or emissions certificates
may give rise to a new form of speculation and is not
conducive to reducing global emissions of polluting gases.
This system appears to be a quick and easy solution,
giving the impression of a certain commitment to the environment,
but it is by no means a radical change commensurate with
current circumstances. On the contrary, it risks becoming a ploy that
serves to prop up the excessive consumption of certain countries and sectors.

To be continued
Every day at 1 am