Daily Readings - Fri Jul 10 2020
Hosea
1Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!2Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.3Assyria cannot save us; we will not mount war-horses. We will never again say 'Our gods' to what our own hands have made, for in you the fatherless find compassion."4"I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.5I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon he will send down his roots;6his young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.7Men will dwell again in his shade. He will flourish like the grain. He will blossom like a vine, and his fame will be like the wine from Lebanon.8O Ephraim, what more have I to do with idols? I will answer him and care for him. I am like a green pine tree; your fruitfulness comes from me."9Who is wise? He will realize these things. Who is discerning? He will understand them. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.
Matthew
16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.17"Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.19But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,20for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.22All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.23When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of faith, perseverance, and God's enduring love. The first reading from Hosea invites us to return to the Lord with humble hearts, promising healing and restoration. Hosea uses vivid imagery—dew, lilies, and cedars—to illustrate how our spiritual growth can flourish when we turn away from sin and embrace God's mercy. This passage reminds us that true conversion leads to a fruitful and vibrant life in God’s presence.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a stark yet hopeful reality. Jesus sends His disciples into a world filled with challenges and persecutions, urging them to be wise yet innocent. He assures them that in moments of trial, the Spirit will guide their words and actions. This passage teaches us to trust in God’s providence, even when facing adversity. Just as the disciples were called to perseverance, we too are reminded that enduring faithfully will lead to salvation.
Both readings call us to live with courage and trust in God. Hosea’s message of repentance and renewal encourages us to seek forgiveness continually, while Matthew’s words remind us to face life’s challenges with faith. In our daily lives, let us embrace the strength that comes from God, trusting that He will guide us through every trial. May we remain steadfast, knowing that our perseverance will ultimately lead us to eternal life.