July 2, 2026

10Biographical Interlude: Amos and Amaziah - Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, sent word to Jeroboam, king of Israel: “Amos has conspired against you within the house of Israel; the country cannot endure all his words. 11For this is what Amos says: ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be exiled from its land.’” 12To Amos, Amaziah said: “Off with you, seer, flee to the land of Judah and there earn your bread by prophesying! 13But never again prophesy in Bethel; for it is the king’s sanctuary and a royal temple.” 14Amos answered Amaziah, “I am not a prophet, nor do I belong to a company of prophets. I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamores, 15but the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’ 16Now hear the word of the LORD: You say: ‘Do not prophesy against Israel, do not preach against the house of Isaac.’ 17Therefore thus says the LORD: Your wife shall become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters shall fall by the sword. Your land shall be parcelled out by measuring line, and you yourself shall die in an unclean land; and Israel shall be exiled from its land.”

8II - The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. 9The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart. The command of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eye. 10The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The statutes of the LORD are true, all of them just; 11More desirable than gold, than a hoard of purest gold, Sweeter also than honey or drippings from the comb.

19namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

1He entered a boat, made the crossing, and came into his own town. 2And 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.” 3At that, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4Jesus knew what they were thinking, and said, “Why do you harbor evil thoughts? 5Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” 7He rose and went home. 8When the crowds saw this they were struck with awe and glorified God who had given such authority to human beings. The Call of Matthew.