Thursday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time (June 30, 2016)

Reading 1 and//www.usccb.org/bible/amos/7:10 AM 7:10-17 Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam,king of Israeland Amos has conspired against you here within Israelthe country cannot endure all his words.For this is what Amos saysandJeroboam shall die by the sword,and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.”To Amos, Amaziah saidand Off with you, visionary, flee to the land of Judah!There earn your bread by prophesying,but never again prophesy in Bethelfor it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.”Amos answered Amaziah, I was no prophet,nor have I belonged to a company of prophetsI was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamores.The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me,‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’Now hear the word of the LORD!”You sayand prophesy not against Israel,preach not against the house of Isaac.Now thus says the LORDandYour wife shall be made a harlot in the city,and your sons and daughters shall fall by the swordYour land shall be divided by measuring line,and you yourself shall die in an unclean landIsrael shall be exiled far from its land. Responsorial Psalm and//www.usccb.org/bible/psalms/19:8 PS 19:8, 9, 10, 11 R. (10cd)The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.The law of the LORD is perfect,refreshing the soulThe decree of the LORD is trustworthy,giving wisdom to the simple.R.The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.The precepts of the LORD are right,rejoicing the heartThe command of the LORD is clear,enlightening the eye.R.The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.The fear of the LORD is pure,enduring foreverThe ordinances of the LORD are true,all of them just.R.The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just.They are more precious than gold,than a heap of purest goldSweeter also than syrupor honey from the comb.R.The judgments of the Lord are true, and all of them are just. Alleluia and//www.usccb.org/bible/2corinthians/8and9 2 COR 5:19 R.Alleluia, alleluia.God was reconciling the world to himself in Christand entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.R.Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel and//www.usccb.org/bible/matthew/9and1 MT 9and1-8 After entering a boat, Jesus made the crossing, and came into his own town.And there people brought to him a paralytic lying on a stretcher.When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, Courage, child, your sins are forgiven.”At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, This man is blaspheming.”Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, Why do you harbor evil thoughts?Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?But that you may know that the Son of Manhas authority on earth to forgive sins”–he then said to the paralytic, Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”He rose and went home.When the crowds saw this they were struck with aweand glorified God who had given such authority to men.