Daily Readings - Wed Jul 11 2018
Hosea
1Israel is a luxuriant vine that yields its fruit. The more his fruit increased, the more altars he built; as his country improved, he improved his pillars.2Their heart is false; now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will break down their altars and destroy their pillars.3For now they will say: "We have no king, for we do not fear the LORD; and a king--what could he do for us?"7Samaria's king shall perish like a twig on the face of the waters.8The high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed. Thorn and thistle shall grow up on their altars, and they shall say to the mountains, Cover us, and to the hills, Fall on us.12Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
Matthew
1And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.2The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;4Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.5These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.7And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that call us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission in the world. The first reading from Hosea paints a vivid picture of a people who, despite their prosperity, have turned away from the Lord. Israel's heart has become divided, leading to idolatry and a rejection of God's authority. Hosea warns that such infidelity will lead to destruction, urging the people to seek justice and return to the Lord. This prophecy serves as a reminder that true fruitfulness comes not from material abundance but from a life rooted in faith and integrity.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus, having called his twelve apostles, empowers them to heal and cast out unclean spirits. He instructs them to go specifically to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel," emphasizing the urgency of proclaiming the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. This mission is not about seeking power or recognition but about humility and service. The disciples are called to trust in God's providence and to focus on the task at hand, avoiding distractions.
These readings are deeply connected. Hosea's call to repentance and justice finds its fulfillment in the mission of the disciples, who are sent to proclaim the kingdom. For us today, these readings invite us to examine our own hearts. Are we allowing idols—whether material possessions, distractions, or complacency—to divide our hearts? Are we living as true disciples, sharing the Good News of God's love and mercy with others? Let us take to heart Hosea's exhortation to "sow in justice" and "renew our fallow land." May we, like the apostles, embrace our mission with courage and fidelity, trusting that the Lord is always near to guide and sustain us.