Daily Mass Readings – Thursday, 13 July 2028

1 Thus says the LORD: when Israel was a child, and I loved him: and I called my son out of Egypt.

2 As they called them, they went away from before their face: they offered victims to Baalim, and sacrificed to idols.

3 And I was like a foster father to Ephraim, I carried them in my arms: and they knew not that I healed them.

4 I will draw them with the cords of Adam, with the bands of love: and I will be to them as one that taketh off the yoke on their jaws: and I put his meat to him that he might eat.

8c How shall I make thee as Adama, shall I set thee as Seboim? my heart is turned within me, my repentance is stirred up.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of my wrath: I will not return to destroy Ephraim: because I am God, and not man: the holy one in the midst of thee, and I will not enter into the city.

R. (4b) Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

2ac Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: Thou that sittest upon the cherubims, shine forth

3b Stir up thy might.

R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

15 Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard:

16 And perfect the same which thy right hand hath planted: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself.

R. Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

15 The Kingdom of God is at hand: repent and believe in the Gospel.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

7 And going, preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give.

9 Do not possess gold, nor silver, nor money in your purses:

10 Nor scrip for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor a staff; for the workman is worthy of his meat.

11 And into whatsoever city or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy, and there abide till you go thence.

12 And when you come into the house, salute it, saying: Peace be to this house.

13 And if that house be worthy, your peace shall come upon it; but if it be not worthy, your peace shall return to you.

14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words: going forth out of that house or city shake off the dust from your feet.

15 Amen I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.

God’s love for his people is tender, patient, and persistent. He calls Israel his child, carries them in his arms, heals them, and draws them with “the cords of Adam” and the bands of love. Even when they turn toward idols, God’s heart is moved with mercy. The psalm’s cry, “Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved,” expresses the deepest need of every heart: to turn again toward the God who has never ceased to seek us.

That mercy becomes a mission in the Gospel. The disciples proclaim that the kingdom is near, bringing healing, freedom, and peace. They are to give freely what they have freely received, trusting God rather than possessions or security. Their peace is offered without force; if it is rejected, they move on without surrendering the message. Repentance, then, is not merely regret. It is allowing God’s love to turn us back toward his face, and letting that received mercy become generosity toward others. A simple word of peace, an act of healing kindness, or a faithful witness may carry the kingdom into someone’s home.

Merciful Father, you have loved and carried your people with unfailing tenderness. Turn my heart again toward your face, and free me from every false security that keeps me from trusting you. Let the nearness of your kingdom lead me to sincere repentance and deeper faith in the Gospel. Since I have received your gifts freely, teach me to give freely through patience, compassion, healing kindness, and words of peace. When my witness is not welcomed, keep me peaceful and faithful, leaving the results in your hands. Make my life a humble sign of your merciful presence. Amen.