Daily Readings - Mon Jul 08 2024
Hosea
14Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.15And I will give her her vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope: and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.16And it shall be at that day, saith the LORD, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali.19And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies.20I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
Matthew
18While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.19And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.20And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:21For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.22But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.23And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,24He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn.25But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.26And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful expressions of God’s enduring love and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Hosea presents a beautiful metaphor of God’s relationship with His people. Despite Israel’s infidelity, God remains faithful, promising to lead them into a wilderness of renewal and to restore their covenant with Him. This passage reflects the broader theme of God’s mercy and His desire to reconcile with His people, even when they have wandered away. Hosea’s words are a testament to the boundless love and patience of God, who continually calls His people back to Himself.
The Gospel from Matthew offers two miracles that highlight the power of faith and trust in God. The ruler, desperate for his daughter’s life, approaches Jesus with a plea for healing, while the woman suffering from a flow of blood for twelve years touches Jesus’ garment in faith, believing that even this small act will bring her salvation. Both stories demonstrate how faith can overcome even the most daunting challenges—whether it’s the finality of death or the persistence of illness. Jesus’ response to both situations shows His compassion and His authority over life and death, reinforcing the message that our trust in God can lead to healing and renewal.
These readings remind us that our relationship with God is rooted in faith and trust. Just as the woman reached out in faith and the ruler sought Jesus with hope, we too are called to approach God with confidence in His love and power. In our daily lives, we face challenges that may seem insurmountable, but the readings encourage us to turn to God, knowing that His mercy and faithfulness are always available to us. Let us reflect on the ways we can deepen our trust in God, even in the wilderness of our own struggles, and remember that His love is always ready to restore and renew us.