Daily Readings - Thu Jul 11 2024
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
In today's readings, we encounter profound reflections on God's love and our response to it. The passage from Hosea vividly portrays God's deep affection for Israel, likening it to a parent's love for a child. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's mercy endures, as He heals and draws them with cords of love. This metaphor highlights God's relentless care and the sorrow He feels when His people turn away. Hosea's words remind us of the Exodus, a pivotal moment of God's deliverance, yet Israel's lack of conversion leads to a poignant expression of divine compassion, as God chooses not to destroy them, affirming His divine nature over human emotion.
In the Gospel, Matthew 10, Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the message of the kingdom, emphasizing trust in God's providence. He instructs them to travel lightly, relying on the hospitality of others, and to offer peace to those they meet. This mission comes with a warning: rejection of the message will have consequences, more severe than those faced by Sodom and Gomorrah. This passage underscores the importance of openness to God's word and the gravity of rejecting it.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. Hosea shows us God's persistent love and mercy, while Matthew challenges us to trust in God's providence and to be open to His message. In our daily lives, let us embrace God's love with gratitude, trusting in His care. Let us also be mindful of how we receive His word, ensuring that our hearts remain open to His will. May we strive to live out these teachings, trusting in God's providence and being faithful stewards of His message.