Daily Readings - Thu Jul 12 2018
Hosea
1"When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.3It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, taking them by the arms; but they did not realize it was I who healed them.4I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.5"Will they not return to Egypt and will not Assyria rule over them because they refuse to repent?8"How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.9I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I turn and devastate Ephraim. For I am God, and not man- the Holy One among you. I will not come in wrath.
Matthew
7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.12As you enter the home, give it your greeting.13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on God's enduring love and our call to faith. The prophet Hosea paints a vivid picture of God's heart, overflowing with compassion for His people, despite their infidelity. God's mercy is not conditional but relentless, a love that heals and lifts up, even when we turn away. This passage reminds us of the depth of divine patience and the boundless forgiveness that defines our Creator.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. He calls them to trust in God's providence, to go forth without worldly attachments, and to share the message of peace and healing. This teaching challenges us to examine our own faith—do we trust God enough to step out in radical love and service? Jesus' words remind us that our mission is not about what we carry with us, but about the love and peace we bring to others.
As we reflect on these readings, we are invited to embrace a life of trust and compassion. Like the disciples, we are called to rely on God's provision and to share His love without reservation. Let us ask ourselves: Where am I being called to trust God more deeply? How can I show His mercy to those around me? May we, like Hosea and the disciples, be instruments of God's love, bringing peace and hope to a world in need.