Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 2:16.17c-18.21-22;
Matthew 9:18-26)
Today Americans celebrate
the defining moment of their existence as a people. Two hundred and forty years ago representatives
from all thirteen colonies accepted the constitution drafted by Thomas
Jefferson. The document declared independence
of the colonies from England and the establishment of a new nation. In today’s first reading Hosea prophesizes of
a similarly defining moment for Christians.
Hosea is a prophet of the northern kingdom. Like Amos he denounces the nation for ignoring
God’s commands. Here he foretells the
day when Israel will accept forever the Lord as its one and only God. It will come only after trial expressed with
the metaphor of a “desert.” From that
point on the people will no longer flirt with other gods. Rather they will stick close to the one God
who will have saved them.
We see the prophecy being realized in Jesus. We recognize in his death the “desert.” That cataclysmic
experience led to his resurrection which solidifies our relationship with God
forever. It offers us hope of eternal
life as it moves us to care for others. Now
we pray that our country will follow Jesus’ witness of charity for all.
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