July 10, 2004.

Wednesday of the 14th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Hosia.

Israel is a luxuriant vine, whose fruit matches its growth.

The more abundant his fruit, the more altars he built.

The more productive his land. The more altars he built. The more productive his land.

The more sacred pillars he set up.

Their heart is false.

Now they pay for their guilt.

God shall break down their altars and destroy their sacred pillars.

If they would say,

we have no king,

since they do not fear the Lord,

what can the king do for them?

The king of Samaria shall disappear,

like foam upon the waters.

The high places of Avon shall be destroyed,

the sin of Israel. Thorns and thistles shall overgrow their

altars. Then they shall cry out to the mountains, cover us, and to the hills, fall upon us.

So for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety. Break up for yourselves a new field,

for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain down justice upon you. The Word of the Lord.

The Responsorial Psalm.

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