July 1 liturgy: the Gospel according to Amos and devotion to the Blood of Christ

Amos's prophecy and the call to justice shape the liturgy for July 1

On Wednesday, July 1, the Catholic Church offers in its liturgy a passage from the prophet Amos that strikes hard: "Let justice flow like water and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream." The first reading, taken from chapter 5 of the book of Amos, rejects empty worship and demands a concrete social ethic. The message, in the height of summer, resounds as a call not to forget the foundations of the faith.

The responsorial psalm is Psalm 4, and the Gospel — although not transcribed — is that of the day. The homily is given by Father Santiago Martín, of the Franciscans of Mary, whose reflections usually focus on the authenticity of Christian life.

A month dedicated to the Blood of Christ

The month of July is consecrated to the Precious Blood of Jesus, a devotion that, as the publication recalls, often goes forgotten amid "the summer heat, the start of holidays and patronal festivals." The Blood of Christ is presented as "the price of our redemption" and one of the most powerful spiritual weapons.

The day concludes with the praying of the Holy Rosary at 10:00 p.m., and the Holy Mass live-streamed at 8:00 p.m. In addition, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy is included, ideally at 3:00 p.m., "the hour of Mercy."

The sayings of the Desert Fathers as a complement

As additional content, the 'Apophthegmata of the Desert Fathers' are offered, a collection of sayings from the first Christian monks, compiled by the Jesuit Heribert Rosweyde in the 17th century and available online. These sayings, of great spiritual depth, enrich the ascetic tradition of Christianity.

With these elements, the day of July 1 stands as a day of strong biblical and devotional content, in which justice and mercy are the central themes.