Daily Readings - Thu Jul 07 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s love, mercy, and the call to trust in His providence. In the first reading from Hosea, we hear of God’s deep affection for Israel, His chosen people, despite their infidelity and stubbornness. Hosea uses the image of a parent’s love, emphasizing how God has cared for Israel, healing and nurturing them, even when they wandered away. Yet, despite this love, Israel refuses to return to God, prompting a mixture of sorrow and restraint in God’s response. Hosea reminds us that God’s love is not like human love; it is patient, enduring, and always ready to forgive.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus sending out His disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus instructs them to trust in God’s providence, to go forth without material possessions, and to rely on the hospitality of others. This mission is not about personal gain or comfort but about bringing healing, hope, and peace to a world in need. The disciples are called to be messengers of God’s love, just as Hosea was called to speak to Israel. Both readings remind us that our lives are not our own; we are called to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.
These readings challenge us to examine our own trust in God and our willingness to live as His disciples. Do we, like the Israelites, resist God’s love and turn away from His call? Or do we, like the disciples, embrace the mission to bring God’s peace and healing to others? In our daily lives, we are called to live with simplicity, humility, and dependence on God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I trusting in God’s providence, or am I holding onto worldly securities? Am I willing to go forth and share God’s love, even when it requires sacrifice? The moral lesson is clear: God’s love is always near, and we are called to be its bearers in the world. Let us respond with faith, trust, and openness to His will.