Daily Readings - Thu Jul 11 2024
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 reflections on God's love and our response to it. The passage from Hosea vividly portrays God's deep affection for Israel, likening it to a parent's love for a child. Despite Israel's unfaithfulness, God's mercy endures, as He heals and draws them with cords of love. This metaphor highlights God's relentless care and the sorrow He feels when His people turn away. Hosea's words remind us of the Exodus, a pivotal moment of God's deliverance, yet Israel's lack of conversion leads to a poignant expression of divine compassion, as God chooses not to destroy them, affirming His divine nature over human emotion.
In the Gospel, Matthew 10, Jesus commissions His disciples to spread the message of the kingdom, emphasizing trust in God's providence. He instructs them to travel lightly, relying on the hospitality of others, and to offer peace to those they meet. This mission comes with a warning: rejection of the message will have consequences, more severe than those faced by Sodom and Gomorrah. This passage underscores the importance of openness to God's word and the gravity of rejecting it.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. Hosea shows us God's persistent love and mercy, while Matthew challenges us to trust in God's providence and to be open to His message. In our daily lives, let us embrace God's love with gratitude, trusting in His care. Let us also be mindful of how we receive His word, ensuring that our hearts remain open to His will. May we strive to live out these teachings, trusting in God's providence and being faithful stewards of His message.