Daily Readings - Thu Jul 07 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s love, mercy, and the call to trust in His providence. In the first reading from Hosea, we hear of God’s deep affection for Israel, His chosen people, despite their infidelity and stubbornness. Hosea uses the image of a parent’s love, emphasizing how God has cared for Israel, healing and nurturing them, even when they wandered away. Yet, despite this love, Israel refuses to return to God, prompting a mixture of sorrow and restraint in God’s response. Hosea reminds us that God’s love is not like human love; it is patient, enduring, and always ready to forgive.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus sending out His disciples to proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus instructs them to trust in God’s providence, to go forth without material possessions, and to rely on the hospitality of others. This mission is not about personal gain or comfort but about bringing healing, hope, and peace to a world in need. The disciples are called to be messengers of God’s love, just as Hosea was called to speak to Israel. Both readings remind us that our lives are not our own; we are called to be instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.
These readings challenge us to examine our own trust in God and our willingness to live as His disciples. Do we, like the Israelites, resist God’s love and turn away from His call? Or do we, like the disciples, embrace the mission to bring God’s peace and healing to others? In our daily lives, we are called to live with simplicity, humility, and dependence on God. Let us ask ourselves: Am I trusting in God’s providence, or am I holding onto worldly securities? Am I willing to go forth and share God’s love, even when it requires sacrifice? The moral lesson is clear: God’s love is always near, and we are called to be its bearers in the world. Let us respond with faith, trust, and openness to His will.