FIRST
READING: Hosea
11: 1 - 4, 8 - 9
1
I loved Israel when he was a child; out of Egypt I called my son.
2
But the more I have called, the further have they gone from me -
sacrificing to the Baals, burning incense to the idols.
3
Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; yet
little did they realize that it was I who cared for them.
4
I led them with cords of human kindness, with leading strings of
love, and I became for them as one who eases the yoke upon their neck
and stoops down to feed them.
8
How can I give you up, Ephraim? Can I abandon you like Admah or make
you like Zeboiim? My heart is troubled within me and I am moved with
compassion.
9
I will not give vent to my great anger; I will not return to destroy
Ephraim for I am God and not human. I am the Holy One in your midst
and I do not want to come to you in anger.
PSALM:
Psalms 80:
2 - 3, 15 - 16
2
Listen, O shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock, you
who sit enthroned between the cherubim.
3
Shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Stir up your might
and come to save us.
15
Turn again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven and see; care for
this vine,
16
and protect the stock your hand has planted.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 10:
7 - 15
7
Go and proclaim this message: The kingdom of heaven is near.
8
Heal the sick, bring the dead back to life, cleanse the lepers, and
drive out demons. You received this as a gift, so give it as a gift.
9
Do not carry any gold, silver or copper in your purses.
10
Do not carry a traveler's bag, or an extra shirt, or sandals, or
walking-stick: workers deserve their living.
11
When you come to a town or a village, look for a worthy person and
stay there until you leave.
12
As you enter the house, wish it peace.
13
If the people in the house deserve it, your peace will be on them; if
they do not deserve it, your blessing will come back to you.
14
And if you are not welcomed and your words are not listened to, leave
that house or that town and shake the dust off your feet.
15
I assure you, it will go easier for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah
on the day of judgment than it will for the people of that town.
