Fourteenth Thursday of Ordinary Time (Hosea 11: 1-4, 8e-9) “A Parent’s Love”
Hosea writes in a very impassioned way about God’s relationship with Israel. In this prophesy he speaks about God looking at Israel as a father looks at a son. When a man receives a son into his life this is a very great gift. A father usually has the sense that it is their job to teach their son how to be a man.
I remember my father wanting to teach me many things. He enjoyed carpentry and he had me help him with various projects. We tore down an old house. We shingled our home. He built a garage and wanted me to help. I learned how to pound a nail, saw a board, and do several other things. I think the main thing my father wanted me to do was to learn how to work.
Hosea must have had a son. He speaks of the things he did for his young son including teaching him to walk. He also probably taught him the basics of the Jewish faith.
The God that Hosea describes is very disappointed in Israel because they have denied their faith. They have worshipped the God Baal that was a fertility God in the Middle East at this point in history. It is as if Israel has walked away from a loving parent.
Hosea predicts dire consequences to these infidelities. In what we read today, it is not clear whether Israel is conquered or not. Assyria did conquer Israel. Assyria was a nation noted for its brutality. We can only imagine how Assyria suffered.
A prophet does predict doom and gloom, but a true prophet always ends a prophesy on a hopeful note. There will come a better day when Israel will be restored. Just like a good father never stops loving their son. God will never stop loving Israel. God is rich in mercy and that mercy will be extended to Israel.
Reflection Questions:
Did my father teach me any skills I still use? What are they?
Do I look at the prophets as optimists? What is my favorite reading from the prophets?
Dear Parishioners,
We will be having another stewardship Sunday on July 23 and 24. On this weekend we will be trying to recruit choir members and musicians. Music is an important part of our liturgy. We need competent musicians so that we can pray well.
The COVID pandemic caused most music to be curtailed in our parish. Singing was considered a very dangerous activity. We have brought music back gradually. Cheryl Bolt, our choir director, has done a great job providing music at our weekend Masses. Others lent their talents to our music as well. We have done everything in a safe way and as far as I know no one caught COVID participating in our music.
We want to bring back choral music this September. I would encourage anyone who likes music to join our music ministry. If you want to sign up today call Cheryl at our office.
May Our Lady of Peace pray for us today.
Fr. Mark