Daily Readings - Fri Jun 07 2024
Hosea
1When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.2As they called them, so they went from them: they sacrificed unto Baalim, and burned incense to graven images.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.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.
Ephesians
8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
John
31The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.32Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.33But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:34But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water.35And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.36For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.37And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound expressions of God's love, each offering a unique perspective on its nature and impact. The first reading from Hosea portrays God as a loving father, deeply sorrowful yet merciful, yearning to redeem Israel despite their rebellion. This passage highlights God's patience and enduring love, emphasizing that His love is not conditional but transformative.
The second reading from Ephesians shifts our focus to the universal scope of God's love. Paul, in his mission to the Gentiles, reveals that this love is not confined to a chosen few but is intended for all. He prays for believers to be strengthened and to grasp the depth of Christ's love, illustrating that God's wisdom and love are accessible to everyone, fostering unity and enriching our lives.
The Gospel from John presents the ultimate act of love through Jesus' sacrifice. The crucifixion scene, with the piercing of Jesus' side, symbolizes the birth of the Church and the sacraments, reminding us that God's love is sacrificial and life-giving. This act fulfills Scripture, showing that God's love is both redemptive and transformative.
Reflecting on these readings, we are called to embody God's love in our daily lives. Just as God's love is universal, our actions should reflect this by embracing others with compassion and kindness. Let us strive to share God's love in our communities, just as Hosea, Paul, and Jesus exemplified. The moral lesson here is clear: God's love is boundless, and we are called to be vessels of this love, transforming the world around us through our actions and faith.