Daily Readings - Tue Jul 07 2020
Hosea
4They have reigned, but not by me. Leaders have emerged, and I did not recognize them. Their silver and their gold, they have made into idols for themselves, so that they might cross over5Your calf, Samaria, has been rejected. My fury has been enraged against them. How long will they be incapable of being cleansed6For it is itself also from Israel: a workman made it, and it is not God. For the calf of Samaria will be used for the webs of spiders7For they will sow wind and reap a whirlwind. It does not have a firm stalk; the bud will yield no grain. But if it does yield, strangers will eat it11For Ephraim multiplied altars to sin, and sanctuaries have become an offense for him12I will write to him my intricate laws, which have been treated like strangers13They will offer victims, they will immolate flesh and will eat, and the Lord will not accept them. For now he will remember their iniquity, and he will repay their sins: they will be turned back to Egypt
Matthew
32Then, when they had departed, behold, they brought him a man who was mute, having a demon33And after the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. And the crowds wondered, saying, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel.34But the Pharisees said, "By the prince of demons does he cast out demons.35And Jesus traveled throughout all of the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, and healing every illness and every infirmity36Then, seeing the multitudes, he had compassion on them, because they were distressed and were reclining, like sheep without a shepherd37Then he said to his disciples: "The harvest indeed is great, but the laborers are few38Therefore, petition the Lord of the harvest, so that he may sent out laborers to his harvest.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through themes of faith, idolatry, and the call to serve. The first reading from Hosea paints a vivid picture of a nation turned away from God, embracing idols crafted by human hands. Hosea, a prophet during a time of division and impending conquest, warns of the futility of seeking salvation through man-made objects. The people's sins lead to their downfall, as they reap the whirlwind of their actions, unable to find true cleansing. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of diverting our focus from the divine to the mundane.
The Gospel shifts our gaze to Jesus, who embodies divine authority and mercy. Matthew recounts the healing of a mute man possessed by a demon, a miracle that astonishes the crowds but is met with skepticism by the Pharisees. Jesus's compassion for the distressed multitudes, like sheep without a shepherd, underscores His mission of healing and preaching. He calls His disciples to pray for laborers to join in the harvest, emphasizing the urgent need for spiritual leaders to guide others back to God. This call resonates deeply, urging us to consider our role in spreading the Good News.
Both readings intertwine, highlighting the perils of idolatry and the necessity of true faith. Hosea's warning against false idols mirrors our modern distractions, such as materialism, which can divert us from God. Jesus's ministry offers a counterpoint, showing that true healing and guidance come from Him alone. The moral lesson is clear: remain faithful, seek Jesus for true healing, and answer the call to be laborers in His harvest. Let us reflect on our own lives, ensuring we do not succumb to idolatry, and instead, actively spread God's word with compassion and urgency.