Daily Readings - Thu Jul 12 2018
Hosea
1Just as the morning passes, so has the king of Israel passed by. For Israel was a child and I loved him; and out of Egypt I called my son3And I was like a foster father to Ephraim. I carried them in my arms. And they did not know that I healed them4I will draw them with the cords of Adam, with the bands of love. And I will be to them like one who raises the yoke over their jaws. And I will reach down to him so that he may eat5He will not return to the land of Egypt, but Assur himself will be the king over him, because they were not willing to be converted8How will I provide for you, Ephraim; how will I protect you, Israel? How will I provide for you as for Adam; will I set you like Zeboiim? My heart has changed within me; together with my regret, it has been stirred up9I will not act on the fury of my wrath. I will not turn back to utterly destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Divine in your midst, and I will not advance upon the city
Matthew
7And going forth, preach, saying: ‘For the kingdom of heaven has drawn near.8Cure the infirm, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You have received freely, so give freely9Do not choose to possess gold, nor silver, nor money in your belts10nor provisions for the journey, nor two tunics, nor shoes, nor a staff. For the laborer deserves his portion11Now, into whatever city or town you will enter, inquire as to who is worthy within it. And stay there until you depart12Then, when you enter into the house, greet it, saying, ‘Peace to this house.13And if, indeed, that house is worthy, your peace will rest upon it. But if it is not worthy, your peace will return to you14And whoever has neither received you, nor listened to your words, departing from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet15Amen I say to you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on God's enduring love and our call to faith. The prophet Hosea paints a vivid picture of God's heart, overflowing with compassion for His people, despite their infidelity. God's mercy is not conditional but relentless, a love that heals and lifts up, even when we turn away. This passage reminds us of the depth of divine patience and the boundless forgiveness that defines our Creator.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. He calls them to trust in God's providence, to go forth without worldly attachments, and to share the message of peace and healing. This teaching challenges us to examine our own faith—do we trust God enough to step out in radical love and service? Jesus' words remind us that our mission is not about what we carry with us, but about the love and peace we bring to others.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to embrace a life of trust and compassion. Like the disciples, we are called to rely on God's provision and to share His love without reservation. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? How can I show His mercy to those around me? May we, like Hosea and the disciples, be instruments of God's love, bringing peace and hope to a world in need.