In the realm where divine love resides,
Steadfast and deep, it forever abides.
Despite our rebellion, our disobedient ways,
God's love for us never sways.
In the face of our sins, so vast,
Remember, it's never too late to recast.
To return to God, seek His grace,
Find forgiveness in His embrace.
Justice is His, He holds the right,
Yet mercy prevails, in His sight.
Ready to forgive, to wipe our slate clean,
Such love, in this world, has rarely been seen.
In our dealings, let's balance the scales,
Between justice and mercy, love prevails.
Let's learn from God, let's understand,
To be patient, with an open hand.
For those who may falter, who may not meet,
Our expectations let's not admit defeat.
Instead, let's remember, in every interaction,
God's love and mercy, our guiding action.
REFLECTION:
I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. (Hosea 11:4)
God’s deep and unconditional love for us remains steadfast despite our disobedience and rebellion.
It is never too late to return to God and seek His forgiveness. Eventhough God has the right to enact justice, His love and mercy always prevail, ready to forgive us of our sins. This encourages us to find a balance between justice and mercy in our own dealings with others.
We should be patient and understanding with those who may not always meet our expectations.
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, acknowledging Your deep and unconditional love for us. Despite our disobedience and rebellion, Your love remains steadfast. We are humbled by Your enduring patience and mercy.
We confess our sins and shortcomings, knowing that it is never too late to return to You. We seek Your forgiveness, trusting in Your promise that Your love and mercy always prevail. Even when justice is warranted, You are ready to forgive us of our sins.
Help us, Lord, to find a balance between justice and mercy in our own dealings with others. Just as You are patient with us, let us be patient and understanding with those who may not always meet our expectations.
May we reflect Your love in our lives, showing the same kindness and forgiveness to others that You have shown us. Guide us in our journey, that we may grow closer to You each day.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
II: Israel's Guilt and Punishment
WHEN ISRAEL WAS A CHILD / END OF THE EXILE
Hosea 11:1-7
First Reading | Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9
1 Thus says the Lord: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. 3 Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; 4 I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. 8 My heart is overwhelmed; my pity is stirred. 9 I will not give vent to my blazing anger, I will not destroy Ephraim again; For I am God and not man, the Holy One present among you; I will not let the flames consume you.
Background:
Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9 is a powerful passage in the Old Testament that depicts God’s unfailing love for the Israelites despite their continuous rebellion and disobedience.
Hosea was believed to have prophesied in Israel in the 7th Century BC, spanning the time from the ease and prosperity of the reign of Jeroboam II, through political and economic instability and finally Assyrian invasion. This was a time when Israel’s bid to secure its place among the nations had led to fatal political alliances.
In this chapter, God is portrayed as a loving and caring parent who nurtures and raises His children yet watches them wander away. The metaphors drawn from the Israelite household in verses 1-4 reinforce this expectation. God’s actions as an adoptive father and tender shepherd allow the audience to imagine God in terms of the human experience of the relationship between father and child.
In Hosea 11:8-9, four questions challenge the expectations embedded in the metaphors dominating the first seven verses of the poem. These questions push God to a new conclusion about his identity, as well as the enduring nature of his love.
This passage stands as one of the most poignant testimonies to divine love in the Old Testament, if not in the entire Bible. It portrays God’s heart in conflict with his plans, his compassion averting his anger. It’s a beautiful depiction of God’s enduring love and patience, even in the face of disobedience and rebellion.
Learning Lessons:
Hosea 11:1, 3-4, 8-9 offers several profound lessons:
God’s Unconditional Love: The passage shows God’s deep and unconditional love for His people. Despite their disobedience and rebellion, God’s love remains steadfast. This teaches us about the depth and endurance of divine love, encouraging us to strive to love others unconditionally.
God as a Nurturing Parent: God is portrayed as a nurturing parent who cares for His children, even when they stray. This can remind us to be patient and understanding with those who may not always meet our expectations.
God’s Mercy and Compassion: Even when God has every reason to abandon His people due to their disobedience, He chooses mercy and compassion. This teaches us the importance of forgiveness and showing mercy in our own lives.
The Conflict between Justice and Mercy: The passage illustrates the tension between God’s justice and His mercy. God has the right to enact justice, but His love and mercy prevail. This can encourage us to find a balance between justice and mercy in our own dealings with others.
The Power of Repentance: While the passage highlights the Israelites’ disobedience, it also underscores the power of repentance and turning back to God. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to return to God and seek His forgiveness.
Remember, these lessons are not just historical or theological points, but practical guides that we can apply in our daily lives to grow spiritually and morally. They invite us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes and challenge us to become better individuals and communities. (Conversation with Copilot)
