July 2, 2004, Tuesday of the 13th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Amos.

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the Lord pronounces over you,

over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt.

You alone have I favored more than all the

families of the earth. Therefore, I will punish you for all your crimes. Do two walk together

unless they have agreed? Does a lion roar in the forest when it has no prey? Does a young lion cry out from

its den unless it has seized something? Is a bird brought to earth by a snare when there is no

lure for it? Does a snare spring up from the ground without catching anything? If the trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not be frightened?

If evil befalls a city, has not the Lord caused it?

Indeed, the Lord God does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.

The lion roars, who will not be afraid?

The Lord God speaks, who will not prophesy?

I brought upon you such upheaval as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

You were like a brand plucked from the fire. Yet you returned not to me,

says the Lord. So now, I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel. And since I will deal thus with you,

prepare to meet your God, O Israel. The word of the Lord.

The responsorial Psalm.

The response is,

Lead me in your justice, Lord.

At dawn, I bring my plea expectantly before you.

For you, O God, delight not in wickedness. No evil man remains with you.

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