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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Hosea 6:3-6
Psalm 49
Romans 4:18-25
Matthew 9:9-13
The passage from the prophet Hosea reveals Israel's desire to know God together with a certainty that God's love for his people would come in the form of life giving rains. Hosea then shows that God's desire to love and save his people is balanced by his justice. God has to deal harshly with his people because their love for him is like dew which quickly evaporates. God wants the people to show love and mercy for their fellow human beings. For him, this is much more important than offering sacrifices.
The context in which Jesus uses the same passage in the gospel reading is the call of Matthew. He was a tax collector, one of the most despised groups in society at that time as they were working for the Roman occupiers of the land. Jesus was asked why he associated with such people. His answer showed his understanding that sinners need God's love and mercy shown to them more than righteous people, just as the sick need a doctor more than the healthy.
Who are the people who need our love and mercy in society today? How do we act towards them or speak about them? This week let us pray for the grace to treat those condemned by others with God's kindness and forgiveness and teach others to do the same.