Daily Readings - Wed Jul 06 2022
Hosea
1Israel was a spreading vine; he brought forth fruit for himself. As his fruit increased, he built more altars; as his land prospered, he adorned his sacred stones.2Their heart is deceitful, and now they must bear their guilt. The LORD will demolish their altars and destroy their sacred stones.3Then they will say, "We have no king because we did not revere the LORD. But even if we had a king, what could he do for us?"7Samaria and its king will float away like a twig on the surface of the waters.8The high places of wickedness will be destroyed- it is the sin of Israel. Thorns and thistles will grow up and cover their altars. Then they will say to the mountains, "Cover us!" and to the hills, "Fall on us!"12Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers righteousness on you.
Matthew
1He called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;4Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.6Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful calls to faithfulness and mission. The first reading from Hosea paints a vivid picture of Israel's spiritual decay. Despite their prosperity, the people have turned to idolatry, building altars and idols that distract them from the one true God. Hosea warns that this divided heart will lead to ruin, urging the people to repent and seek justice and mercy. This passage serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of cultivating a fruitful spiritual life.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the mission of the disciples. Jesus empowers them to heal and cast out spirits, sending them specifically to the lost sheep of Israel. This mission is not about seeking power or recognition but about humbly serving and proclaiming the nearness of God's kingdom. The disciples are called to be faithful messengers, trusting in God's provision and guidance. This passage invites us to reflect on our own role in sharing the Good News and serving others with compassion and humility.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives and our priorities. Like the Israelites in Hosea's time, we may be tempted by idols of our own—whether materialism, pride, or self-reliance. The Gospel reminds us that our true identity and purpose lie in following Christ and sharing His love with others. Let us seek to root out sin and indifference in our hearts, and instead, embrace a life of justice, mercy, and faithful witness. May we, like the disciples, go forth with courage and humility, proclaiming the nearness of God's kingdom in our own time.