July 9, 2026

1When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. 2The more I called them, the farther they went from me, Sacrificing to the Baals and burning incense to idols. 3Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; but they did not know that I cared for them. 4I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like those who raise an infant to their cheeks; I bent down to feed them. 8But Love Is Stronger and Restores - How could I give you up, Ephraim, or deliver you up, Israel? How could I treat you as Admah, or make you like Zeboiim? My heart is overwhelmed, my pity is stirred. 9I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not a man, the Holy One present among you; I will not come in wrath.

2I - O Shepherd of Israel, lend an ear, you who guide Joseph like a flock! Seated upon the cherubim, shine forth 3upon Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh. Stir up your power, and come to save us. 15Turn back again, God of hosts; look down from heaven and see; Visit this vine, 16the stock your right hand has planted, and the son whom you made strong for yourself.

15“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” The Call of the First Disciples.

7As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give. 9Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; 10no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. 11Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. 12As you enter a house, wish it peace. 13If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you. 14Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words—go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. 15Amen, I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.