July 9, 2004.

Tuesday of the 14th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Hosea.

Thus says the Lord,

They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority.

They established princes, but without my approval.

With their silver and gold, they made idols for themselves, to their own destruction.

Cast away your calf, O Samaria, my wrath is kindled against them.

How long will they be unable to attain innocence in Israel?

The work of an artisan, no God at all,

destined for the flames, such as the calf of Samaria.

When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind.

The stock of grain that forms no ear can yield no flour.

Even if it could, strangers would swallow it.

When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin, his altars became occasions of sin.

Though I write for him my many ordinances, they are considered as a stranger's.

Though they offer sacrifice, immolate flesh, and eat it, the Lord is not pleased with them.

He shall still remember their guilt and punish their sins.

They shall return to Egypt.

The Word of the Lord.

The responsorial psalm.

The response is,

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