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No matter how obstinate and sinful we are, our loving Father still reaches out His hand to us. Beckoning for us to come back to Him. Warning us of the impending doom that awaits us if we refuse to turn away from evil and sin. Our own destruction is in our hands and yet our Father would readily take it away from us if we were willing to give it to Him.

O how evil and sin silences us, that we are unable to give glory, praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father. So too are we unable to cry to our Lord for help. And yet so merciful and kind is our loving Lord that He liberates us from the Evil that holds us. So that we have a chance of new life in Him. Do we then sing His praises for the new life we lead or do we fall back into our old ways of cursing and swearing?

While we continue to pray for vocations into the ministerial priesthood and religious life. Let us remember that we are called to be priest, prophet and king for one another. To do the Lord’s work and share the good news of God’s love for us; and to lead one another home to our heavenly Father. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 8:4–7, 11–13

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:32–38

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus, and when the demon was driven out the mute man spoke. The crowds were amazed and said, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel.” But the Pharisees said, “He drives out demons by the prince of demons.”

Jesus went around to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom, and curing every disease and illness. At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”

A call to holiness is one which allows us to be in perfect union with our heavenly Father. Love, fidelity, trust and growth are hallmarks of that covenantal relationship. Out of which divine peace and joy flows.

What hope is there for us who think ourselves unclean or unworthy? Drained by the burdens of living in the world? Lifeless and listless? Jesus! He is our hope our redeemer. He invites us to come to Him in faith and He will heal and restore us. He will give us life!

There will always be those who mock us for having such faith in our Lord and our God, for they have yet to encounter Him as we have. Let us continue to pray for them whose hearts are not yet cast in stone. And let us remain faithful beacons of love for all. Amen

FIRST READING
Hosea 2:16, 17c–18, 21–22

GOSPEL
Matthew 9:18–26

While Jesus was speaking, an official came forward, knelt down before him, and said, “My daughter has just died. But come, lay your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus rose and followed him, and so did his disciples. A woman suffering hemorrhages for twelve years came up behind him and touched the tassel on his cloak. She said to herself, “If only I can touch his cloak, I shall be cured.” Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, “Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.

When Jesus arrived at the official’s house and saw the flute players and the crowd who were making a commotion, he said, “Go away! The girl is not dead but sleeping.” And they ridiculed him. When the crowd was put out, he came and took her by the hand, and the little girl arose. And news of this spread throughout all that land.