Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

July 7, 2026

“When they sow the wind, they shall reap the whirlwind.” Hosea’s words are poetic, no doubt, and often quoted, but they were spoken to admonish the Chosen People and send a stark warning. God’s people had raised up unworthy kings and princes, ignored the line of David, made gold and silver idols, and worshipped a golden calf: all were “Destined for the flames.” The terms “sow” and “reap” are ironic, if not downright sarcastic: Israel had violently cast off and thrown away the fantastic sum of God’s rewards, promises, and acts of kindness. Instead, they were now mired in a morass of their own making: idolatry, blasphemy, ungratefulness, loss of liberty, famine, and more! The Lord will thus punish them, even send them back to Egypt!

Leaping forward from a people beset by this “whirlwind” they brought upon themselves to the coming of the Messiah and the New Covenant, Matthew tells of Jesus “curing every disease and illness.” The Lord proclaims the Good News of the Kingdom to all, driving out demons and producing great signs and wonders to punctuate the message.

For his disciples (and for us), Jesus models the ‘right kind’ of sowing (which is the original “broadcasting”, you know!). He promises that these divine Words will grow into an abundant harvest of devout followers, but all must pray for more laborers to do the reaping. No whirlwind will come, just an endless, gently waving field of green gold leaves and seed heads – grain for all, bread for all!

Through our baptism, we are hired as the crucial sowers and reapers. We will never faint or grow weary as we receive the most wonderful nourishment to sustain us: the Real Presence of Jesus in his Body and Blood – Christ our Eucharist!

Let us pray.

O Lord, my God, my life, my All, teach me the ways of righteousness and guide my restless steps until I rest in You: my destination, my peace, my salvation! Amen.