I myself taught Ephraim to walk

I myself taught Ephraim to walk

By REV. FR. SAMUEL FREDERICK

Hos. 11:1-4.8-9, Mt. 10:7-15. The story of God’s boundless mercy is retold by today's first reading, where God declares His relationship with Israel as loving parents speak of their relationship with their child, indeed as a mother would cherish the child she bore: "I myself taught Ephraim to walk, I took them in my arms, like someone who lifts an infant close against his cheek; stooping down to him I gave him food." Yet, in spite of such tender love, Israel turned away from God and went after other gods. Jesus is the fullest revelation possible in a human life of this tender love of God. He also experienced the turning away of people from this love, their refusal to respond to it in any meaningful way.

When Jesus sends out His disciples in today's Gospel, He warns them to expect the same rejection. They are to proclaim the good news that the Kingdom of God is at hand, the reign of God’s life-giving love, but they will encounter those who will not welcome them and will not listen to what they have to say. This negative response is not to deter them from their mission of proclaiming God’s loving presence by what they say and do. It certainly did not deter Jesus, when He suffered the ultimate rejection on the Cross. He proclaimed the same good news as risen Lord to those who had turned away from Him and rejected Him. We are to reveal the loving presence of God, regardless of how we are received by others. The ministry of the Twelve is not confined to preaching, for they were also told to cure the sick, heal the leper and cast out demons. What they have freely received from Jesus, they must freely pass on to others, in a complete sharing of gifts and talents. The true meaning of the reign of God is brought out in the generous relationships of daily life.

May the Lord direct our thoughts, words, actions so that we may know and do the will of God and be ready to establish the reign of God on earth! Amen!! Remain safe and have a glorious day!!!

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