July 9th, 2006, Thursday of the 14th week in ordinary time.

A reading from the book of the prophet Hosia.

Thus says the Lord, when Israel was a child, I loved him.

Out of Egypt, I called my son.

The more I called them, the farther they went from me, sacrificing to the

bales and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms.

I drew them with human cords with bands of love.

I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks.

Yet though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer.

My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. I will not give vent to my blazing anger.

I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you.

I will not let the flames consume you. The word of the Lord. The responsorial Psalm. The response

is, Let us see your face, Lord, and we shall be saved. O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne

upon the cherubim, shine forth, rouse your power.

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

Once again, O Lord of Host, look down from heaven and see,

take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted,

the son of man whom you yourself made strong.

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

A reading from the Holy Gospel, according to Matthew.

Jesus said to his apostles, as you go, make this proclamation,

the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

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