Do we truly understand who is in charge of our world? Do we really understand the consequences of not following God’s will? Today’s Daily Readings provide stark insight into what can happen when people stray from following God’s directives. But less we become discouraged when considering how closely today’s world parallels Israel during Hosea’s time, today’s Readings close with a strong challenge from Jesus designed to both provide insight as to the seriousness of this tendency to stray from His will and how we should respond.
During the prophet Hosea’ time, Israel seemed to have forgotten all of God’s blessings they had received through the years. Their memory laps and underlying lack of faith resulted in troubling times for the nation. Israel thought they would be better off with earthly kings like everyone else in the world at that time. That choice was not working out for them as it plunged the nation into massive turmoil. They had 6 different kings in 20 years and faced an Assyrian invasion and subsequent exile. Throughout these years, their interests begun straying away from the God of their fathers toward Baal, the Canaanite God completely contrary to the one true God.
God used Hosea to convey His discuss with how the Israelites were turning to Kings for direction rather than seeking His will. The idols they created were a direct afront to God as were the alters they built. God’s anger resulted in crop failures and outright rejection of their offerings. God declared that they would face punishment for their sins, involving their later return to Egypt. God earlier used Hosea’s marriage to Gomer as a living example of the need of what it looks like to follow God’s directives, even when those directives may not make sense. Hosea’s obedience to follow God’s directive to marry Gomer, even though he knew of her wayward life serves as a powerful example to the Israelites. Even though there would be consequences for their wayward wondering, God would never leave them nor forsake them as the prophet Hosea could testify with his 3 sons.
In today’s Responsorial Psalm we are reminded of the power of God and the futility of worshiping man-made idols. While creating idols was going on, the Israelites are repeatedly reminded that “the house of Israel trusts in the Lord”. In our world today where we see so much wayward pulls, we must never allow our trust in God to waiver.
The Alleluia reminds us that Jesus is the good shepherd and that He knows His sheep and they know Him. There is no better reason to always trust in our Lord. Those that are truly His, know Him and they have the power to stay true to His will.
In todays’ Gospel in Matthew, we are reminded of how people could see all the miracles that Jesus performed, yet they still tended to stray. Jesus acknowledged the problem that we often are like sheep without a shepherd. Then our Daily Reading ends with Jesus’s profound observation along with His solution. “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the
harvest to send out laborers for the harvest.“ All of us that have given our lives to Jesus are indeed the few laborers that Jesus is sending out. It is our calling to use our lives to point to Him.
Dear Heavenly Father, we are reminded of how easy it is for us to allow the world to draw us away from you and your will for our lives. Help us to remember that there are indeed consequences for straying from your will. Give us the courage to use our lives daily to point others to your saving grace. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Larry Hopp
As I enter my second retirement, I can only express my deep appreciation to God for the opportunity to touch the lives of the amazing students here at Creighton. After 40 years as a civil engineer in the construction industry, I felt that I had completed my life’s work. God, however had a different plan – a MUCH BETTER plan. He opened a door to Creighton University and its Energy Technology Program which I would never have imagined. An opportunity to teach and lead a program that has proven to be some of the most rewarding and satisfying work of my life.
That process has only further refined my total trust & faith in following God and seeking Jesus with all my heart. His plans are always so much better than anything I could have ever imagined.
But of course work could never be the top priority of my life. Over the years, I have been engaged with a truly amazing church with an un-apologetic commitment to Jesus that has changed my life and future forever. My wife Linda and I have four children, 4 grandchildren and 5 foster “grandchildren” that have all been such a daily blessing in so many ways.
I am looking forward to see what God has in mind for this next stage of my life.
It is not surprising that God provides these reflection opportunities with the precise readings that I need to hear at that specific time. Spending time in prayer as I write & rewrite each Daily Reflection opportunity is truly a blessing. My prayer is that God can use these thoughts to bless you as well.
