Daily Readings - Tue Jul 10 2018

Hosea

4They have set up kings, but not by me: they have made princes, and I knew it not: of their silver and their gold have they made them idols, that they may be cut off.5Thy calf, O Samaria, hath cast thee off; mine anger is kindled against them: how long will it be ere they attain to innocency?6For from Israel was it also: the workman made it; therefore it is not God: but the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.7For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.11Because Ephraim hath made many altars to sin, altars shall be unto him to sin.12I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.13They sacrifice flesh for the sacrifices of mine offerings, and eat it; but the LORD accepteth them not; now will he remember their iniquity, and visit their sins: they shall return to Egypt.

Matthew

32As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.33And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.34But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.36But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.37Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;38Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faithfulness, compassion, and the call to spiritual leadership. In the first reading from the prophet Hosea, we hear a stern warning to the people of Israel, who have turned away from God and embraced false idols. Hosea laments their rebellion, pointing out that their silver and gold, which they have turned into idols, cannot save them. He warns that their sin will lead to judgment and that they will reap the whirlwind for their faithlessness. This passage reminds us that when we place our trust in created things rather than the Creator, we risk losing our way and facing the consequences of our actions. In the Gospel, we encounter Jesus, who embodies the opposite of the spiritual decay described in Hosea. Jesus heals a mute man possessed by a demon, and the crowds are amazed at His power. However, the Pharisees dismiss His miracles, attributing them to the power of the devil. Despite this opposition, Jesus continues His mission of preaching, teaching, and healing. He looks out over the crowds with compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd, and calls His disciples to pray for more laborers to help bring in the spiritual harvest. This passage highlights Jesus' deep concern for the lost and the importance of responding to the spiritual needs of others. The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on the need for authentic spiritual leadership and the call to faithfulness. Hosea warns against the dangers of false idols and the consequences of turning away from God, while Jesus shows us what it means to be a true shepherd, offering healing, hope, and guidance to those in need. These readings challenge us to examine our own lives: Are we placing our trust in the right things? Are we responding to the call to serve others with compassion and love? Let us pray for the grace to remain faithful to God and to be instruments of His mercy and healing in the world.