Daily Readings - Wed Jul 06 2022
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 calls to faithfulness and mission. The first reading from Hosea paints a vivid picture of Israel's spiritual decay. Despite their prosperity, the people have turned to idolatry, building altars and idols that distract them from the one true God. Hosea warns that this divided heart will lead to ruin, urging the people to repent and seek justice and mercy. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of cultivating a fruitful spiritual life.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus empowers them to heal and cast out spirits, sending them specifically to the lost sheep of Israel. This mission is not about seeking power or recognition but about humbly serving and proclaiming the nearness of God's kingdom. The disciples are called to be faithful messengers, trusting in God's provision and guidance. This passage invites us to reflect on our own role in sharing the Good News and serving others with compassion and humility.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives and our priorities. Like the Israelites in Hosea's time, we may be tempted by idols of our own—whether materialism, pride, or self-reliance. The Gospel reminds us that our true identity and purpose lie in following Christ and sharing His love with others. Let us seek to root out sin and indifference in our hearts, and instead, embrace a life of justice, mercy, and faithful witness. May we, like the disciples, go forth with courage and humility, proclaiming the nearness of God's kingdom in our own time.