Today, July 9
Feast of the Day
No feast of the day
Saint of the Day
The 19th century was a time of Christian persecution in China. Imperial edicts imposed the death penalty for evangelization, as well as for the education and ordination of priests. Father Augustine Zhao Rong was a Chinese diocesan priest who had been a soldier. It was while he was escorting a missionary priest from France that he was converted and baptized. He then studied at a seminary and was ordained. In 1815, he and 119 companions were tortured and martyred, having refused the offer of clemency if they abandoned their faith. They were canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000.©2011 Living with Christ, Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/. Reprinted with permission.
Readings of the Day
Book of Hosea 11,1-4.8c-9.
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 Baals 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.
Psalms 80(79),2ac.3b.15-16.
O shepherd of Israel, hearken. from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power. Once again, O LORD of hosts, 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.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 10,7-15.
Jesus said to his Apostles: “As you go, make this proclamation: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give." Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick. The laborer deserves his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, look for a worthy person in it, and stay there until you leave. As you enter a house, wish it peace. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; if not, let your peace return to you." Whoever will not receive you or listen to your words--go outside that house or town and shake the dust from your feet. Amen, 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."
Daily Reflection
In peace let us pray to the Lord. All: Lord, have mercy. For peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For the peace of the whole world, for the stability of the churches of God, and for the unity of them all, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For this holy church, and for those who enter it with faith, devoutness and fear of God, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For our Most Holy Supreme Pontiff... , the Pope of Rome; for our Most Reverend Bishop...; for our venerable priesthood; for our deacons in Christ and for all the clergy and people, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For our government and for all the armed forces, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For this city, and for every city and country and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For good weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For those who travel by land and sea, for those who are sick or suffering or in prison, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath and need, let us pray to the Lord. - Lord, have mercy. Help, save, pity and preserve us, O God, by Thy grace. - Lord, have mercy. ********** Having commemorated all of the saints, let us again and again pray to the Lord in peace. – Lord have mercy... That this entire day may be perfect, holy, peaceful and sinless, let us beseech the Lord. - Grant it, O Lord. For an angel of peace, a faithful guide and the guardian of our souls and bodies, let us beseech the Lord. - Grant it, O Lord. For the pardon and forgiveness of our sins and offenses, let us beseech the Lord. - Grant it, O Lord. For everything that is good and profitable for our souls, and for peace in the world, let us beseech the Lord. - Grant it, O Lord. That we may spend the rest of our lives in peace and repentance, let us beseech the Lord. - Grant it, O Lord. For a Christian and peaceful end to our lives without pain or blame, and for a good defense at the dread tribunal of Christ, let us beseech the Lord. - Grant it, O Lord. Having prayed for unity of faith and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, let us commend ourselves one another and our whole life to Christ, our God. - To Thee, O Lord.