Daily Readings - Thu Jul 07 2022
Hosea
1When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.3Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up by their arms, but they did not know that I healed them.4I led them with cords of kindness, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them.5They shall not return to the land of Egypt, but Assyria shall be their king, because they have refused to return to me.8How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender.9I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath.
Matthew
7And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.9Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts,10no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.11And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.12As you enter the house, greet it.13And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.14And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town.15Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
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.