Israel was a leafy vineyard and it bore fruit

Hos. 10:1-3.7-8.12, Mt. 10:1-7. The central focus of our relationship with God is a life-giving choice: God chooses us to save us. Sometimes this choice places us in the front line of combat, to lead our family and the society so that we can walk little by little with the Lord where He leads. However, God always call us, wherever we are, to recreate the love that unites us and saves us. Today's readings describe two different landscapes with a common horizon. The Gospel recounts the election of the Twelve, that singular gaze of Jesus on some of His friends that made them participants in His life and mission, also in relation to the leading of God's people. It is a springtime and expansive moment in the history of discipleship.

Hosea's prophecy in the first reading, for its part, describes a very different picture, much more decadent and darker: "Israel was a leafy vineyard and it bore fruit," but then "thistles grow on their altars." His call never falls, although sometimes we have to take a step back to live it. This is just what, with great beauty and greater patience, YAHWEH asks His people when He understood that His heart is divided and devastated: "Sow justice and you will reap mercy. Break a field, it is time to consult the Lord, until justice comes and rains on you." By His grace, the Lord chooses us to be leaders of His Kingdom, like the Twelve. However, there are many more occasions when He simply calls us to sow and wait, to work and pray, to patiently listen to His Word and wait for His mercy. Whatever our discipleship and our mission may be today, let us seek the loving face of the Lord: His choice over us will never be in vain.

May the Lord help us to grow in love until there is no longer fear, enlighten our minds and hearts so that we may become like Jesus in humble service of God! Amen!! Stay safe and have a great day!!!