Friday of the
Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 14:2-10; Matthew 10:16-23)
Today’s first reading ends the Book of the Prophet Hosea. The prophet’s oracles were delivered to the
northern kingdom of Israel. Although
Hosea typically denounces idolatry and social injustice, his message is more
one of hope. As its central image, the
prophet offers his relationship with his prostitute wife. Although she is unfaithful, he waits lovingly
for her return. God then is like the
prophet ready to forgive his rebellious wife Israel if she buts repents of her infidelity.
In the passage at hand Hosea exhorts Israel to recognize
its need of the Lord. It is to beg God’s
forgiveness as it reforms its way. Not
only are the people to give up idols; they are also to show compassion to the
vulnerable. As a result they will thrive like a great tree unfolding its
branches to the sky.
Has Israel ever returned to the Lord like Hosea
envisions? We should answer, “Yes, in
the person of Jesus of Nazareth.” He
alone has given God total worship. And he
alone has shown the poor thorough compassion.
As Lord, he acts on behalf of all the people. We who swear allegiance to him then are
considered righteous because of his deeds.
