Daily Readings - Fri Jul 10 2020
Hosea
1Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.2Take with you words and return to the LORD; say to him, "Take away all iniquity; accept what is good, and we will pay with bulls the vows of our lips.3Assyria shall not save us; we will not ride on horses; and we will say no more, 'Our God,' to the work of our hands. In you the orphan finds mercy."4I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.5I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall blossom like the lily; he shall take root like the trees of Lebanon;6his shoots shall spread out; his beauty shall be like the olive, and his fragrance like Lebanon.7They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow; they shall flourish like the grain; they shall blossom like the vine; their fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.8O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; from me comes your fruit.9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them; for the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
Matthew
16"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.17Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.19When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of faith, perseverance, and God's enduring love. The first reading from Hosea invites us to return to the Lord with humble hearts, promising healing and restoration. Hosea uses vivid imagery—dew, lilies, and cedars—to illustrate how our spiritual growth can flourish when we turn away from sin and embrace God's mercy. This passage reminds us that true conversion leads to a fruitful and vibrant life in God’s presence.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a stark yet hopeful reality. Jesus sends His disciples into a world filled with challenges and persecutions, urging them to be wise yet innocent. He assures them that in moments of trial, the Spirit will guide their words and actions. This passage teaches us to trust in God’s providence, even when facing adversity. Just as the disciples were called to perseverance, we too are reminded that enduring faithfully will lead to salvation.
Both readings call us to live with courage and trust in God. Hosea’s message of repentance and renewal encourages us to seek forgiveness continually, while Matthew’s words remind us to face life’s challenges with faith. In our daily lives, let us embrace the strength that comes from God, trusting that He will guide us through every trial. May we remain steadfast, knowing that our perseverance will ultimately lead us to eternal life.