• Sr. Dr. Bincy Thumpanathu CMC

Reading [Hosea 11:1-4, 8-9]

READING : When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and burning incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of compassion, with the bands of love, and I became to them as one, who eases the yoke on their jaws, and I bent down to them and fed them. How can I give you up, O Ephraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel! How can I make you like Admah! How can I treat you like Zeboiim! My heart recoils within me, my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger, I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come to destroy.

REFLECTION : In Hosea 11:1-4, God speaks tenderly of Israel as His child, recalling how He called Israel out of Egypt. This imagery highlights the intimate and nurturing nature of God’s relationship with His people, reminiscent of a parent who cares deeply for their child. Despite Israel’s repeated failures and tendency to worship other gods, God’s love remains steadfast and unwavering.

God’s actions are described in nurturing terms: teaching Ephraim to walk, taking them in His arms, and leading them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. These verses reveal the gentleness and patience of God, who continually reaches out to His people with compassion. The mention of lifting the yoke from their neck and bending down to feed them further illustrates God’s tender care and provision.

However, there is also an underlying sense of sorrow and frustration. Israel’s unresponsiveness and ingratitude are a source of pain for God, yet His love persists. This passage invites reflection on the nature of divine love-unconditional, patient, and enduring. It challenges us to consider our own response to God’s love and to recognize His continual efforts to guide and nurture us, even when we stray. Understand that God’s patience and kindness is ever-present, inviting us to return to Him whenever we lose our way. Let His persistent love inspire us to show compassion and forgiveness to others, mirroring the divine example.

PRAYER :  Dear Lord, thank You for Your unwavering love and compassion, even when we stray and disobey. Like a tender parent, You guide and nurture us with patience and kindness. Help us to recognise and embrace Your steadfast care in our daily lives. Grant us the strength to return to You when we falter and to extend Your love and forgiveness to others. May Your enduring love inspire us to live in faith and obedience. Amen.

CONTEMPLATION : Find a quiet, serene spot, a peaceful corner of nature. Closing your eyes gently, let go of any thoughts or worries that have been weighing on your mind. A wave of peace washes over you, bringing a deep sense of serenity and calm. In this stillness, recall the reflection on Hosea 11:1-4, where God’s unwavering love and compassion for His people, despite their continual disobedience and waywardness, are so profoundly expressed. Allow gratitude to fill your heart as you think of the times God has lifted the yoke from your neck, easing your burdens. Consider the ways He has bent down to feed you, providing not only for your physical needs but also nourishing your soul. In this moment of quiet reflection, acknowledge the patience and kindness that God has shown you, despite your waywardness. In this state of peace, commit to trusting in God’s continual guidance and provision. Let this trust inform your decisions and actions, leading you to live a life of faith and obedience. As you carry this contemplation with you, allow it to inspire a deeper connection with God and a renewed sense of purpose. Take a few more deep breaths, feeling the calm and serenity settle within you. When you are ready, gently open your eyes, carrying the peace and insights from this contemplation into your daily life. Know that you are loved deeply and unconditionally, and let this knowledge shape your journey forward.

ACTION : * In moments of waywardness or doubt, I commit to deepening my faith and obedience, trusting that God’s love will guide me through all challenges. Moving forward, I will actively seek to extend this divine love to those around me, fostering a spirit of compassion and understanding.