14th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Thursday 11th July 2024

Prophet Hosea illustrates the divine-human relationship with the metaphor of familial imagery : with God as the parent and Israel as the beloved child whom God rescued from slavery in Egypt. God cared for Israel with the tenderness of a motherly love: “took them up in my arms,” “bent down to them,” “lifted to the cheeks”. Yet, Israel’s response to such tender care is one of disobedience and infidelity, which saddened God.

Parents who lavish their love on their children may cease to do so when their children abandon them. Yet, God remains true as a God “slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…” (Ex 34:6-7) God’s mercy transcends human justice and His compassion overcomes His wrath. God brings forth new life and hope, not destruction.

Look at Jesus instructing His disciples with an urgent sense of proclaiming the Good News, they are to adopt a disposition of trust in divine providence and poverty of Spirit. Everything will be provided to the heart that is set first upon the Lord and zeal for His kingdom. He calls us to share the graces we receive by lending a helping hand, visiting someone lonely, or simply smiling and thanking the cashier at the counter, or giving a listening ear, bringing healing and forgiveness, especially to those who are caught up in worrying situations.

Lord, as we recall the lavishness of Your love, may we share it with others who long for it.