Daily Readings - Thu Jul 07 2022
Hosea
1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.3I taught Ephraim also to go, taking them by their arms; but they knew not that I healed them.4I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love: and I was to them as they that take off the yoke on their jaws, and I laid meat unto them.5He shall not return into the land of Egypt, but the Assyrian shall be his king, because they refused to return.8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.9I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger, I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not man; the Holy One in the midst of thee: and I will not enter into the city.
Matthew
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.9Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.11And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.12And when ye come into an house, salute it.13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.14And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
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.