Daily Readings - Fri Jul 12 2024
Hosea
1O Israel, return unto the LORD thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity.2Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.3Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.4I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.5I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.6His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.7They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.8Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.9Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Matthew
16Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.17But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;18And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.19But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.21And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.22And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.23But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of trust, faith, and perseverance. The prophet Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance, urging them to turn away from idolatry and return to the Lord with humble hearts. He paints a vivid picture of restoration, using imagery like the dew and the lily to illustrate the beauty and growth that come from repentance. Hosea's message is one of hope and mercy, reminding us that God's love is ever-ready to heal and restore those who return to Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as they carry out their mission. He warns them of persecution and betrayal, even from their own families, but assures them that the Holy Spirit will guide their words and actions in times of trouble. Jesus emphasizes the importance of perseverance, promising that those who endure to the end will be saved. This message of trust in God's providence resonates deeply, encouraging us to remain faithful despite life's adversities.
Both readings remind us of the importance of placing our trust in God. Just as Hosea calls for repentance and return to the Lord, Jesus calls us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the path is difficult. In our daily lives, we face various challenges and temptations, but through reflection and perseverance, we can grow closer to God. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan and remain faithful, for it is through this trust and perseverance that we find true spiritual growth and salvation.