Daily Readings - Fri Jul 12 2024
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 are invited to reflect on the themes of trust, faith, and perseverance. The prophet Hosea calls the people of Israel to repentance, urging them to turn away from idolatry and return to the Lord with humble hearts. He paints a vivid picture of restoration, using imagery like the dew and the lily to illustrate the beauty and growth that come from repentance. Hosea's message is one of hope and mercy, reminding us that God's love is ever-ready to heal and restore those who return to Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as they carry out their mission. He warns them of persecution and betrayal, even from their own families, but assures them that the Holy Spirit will guide their words and actions in times of trouble. Jesus emphasizes the importance of perseverance, promising that those who endure to the end will be saved. This message of trust in God's providence resonates deeply, encouraging us to remain faithful despite life's adversities.
Both readings remind us of the importance of placing our trust in God. Just as Hosea calls for repentance and return to the Lord, Jesus calls us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when the path is difficult. In our daily lives, we face various challenges and temptations, but through reflection and perseverance, we can grow closer to God. The moral lesson here is clear: trust in God's plan and remain faithful, for it is through this trust and perseverance that we find true spiritual growth and salvation.