In the reading from Hosea, the prophet, the people of Israel decide that they don’t need to consult God anymore and instead worship the gods they made. They chose to turn away from God. If we look at our lives in our society, this occurrence is still happening today. How many times have we made decisions without seeking God’s guidance? Or how many instances have we put too much importance on ourselves or material wealth and pretend that God does not see? And what suffering do we or others have to endure because of our God-less choices?
The Gospel of Matthew presents a different perspective- one of God’s compassion and healing power. It reveals Jesus’ deep desire to see us spiritually nourished and cared for. The metaphor of the harvest is not just a passive observation but a direct call to action for all believers. It urges us to join in spreading the good news of God’s kingdom, reminding us that many people need hope and truth. The two passages underscore the importance of faithfulness to God and his power to heal and restore. They remind us of our need for God’s guidance and the importance of sharing His message with others.
In a conference by Saint Peter Julian Eymard to the Servants of the Blessed Sacrament (May 29, 1860), He says: My poor daughters, as long as you are not in Our Lord, you will be like sheep without a shepherd… The Holy Spirit is happy when he finds a soul on whom he can pour out his gifts…… when the Holy Spirit finds one, he lavishes everything on that soul. You must enrich yourself, or rather, receive riches well. There is enough to put you in an ocean of love, in an ocean of the most precious graces.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we marvel at the transformative power of your love and mercy; we acknowledge your authority over all realms, physical and spiritual. Just as Jesus drove out the demon and gave the mute man a voice, we pray for your healing in our lives. Help us see the miracles in our everyday lives and recognize your work in the world around us. Guide us to be steadfast in our faith, even in the face of doubt and disbelief. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
