These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’ to the work of our hands; for in you the orphan finds compassion.” I will heal their defection, says the LORD, I will love them freely; for my wrath is turned away from them. I will be like the dew for Israel: he shall blossom like the lily; He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar, and put forth his shoots. His splendor shall be like the olive tree and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar. Again they shall dwell in his shade and raise grain; They shall blossom like the vine, and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon. (Hos 14:2-10)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071224.cfm
We come to the conclusion of the prophecy of Hosea with this promise of restoration. In the prophets, returning to God never means doing “churchy” things, but rather to do the work of justice so that the orphan finds compassion.
Thus says the LORD: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of Egypt I called my son. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, who took them in my arms; I drew them with human cords, with bands of love; I fostered them like one who raises an infant to his cheeks; Yet, though I stooped to feed my child, they did not know that I was their healer. (Hos 11:1-4, 8a-9)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071124.cfm
Today we celebrate the father of Western monasticism. Although there were monks before Saint Benedict, his rule for monasteries, known for its moderation and common sense, became the template for the rules of many religious orders. The first words of the Rule of Saint Benedict are: “Listen carefully, my son, to the master’s instructions, and attend to them with the ear of your heart. This is advice from a father who loves you; welcome it, and faithfully put it into practice.”
“Sow for yourselves justice, reap the fruit of piety; break up for yourselves a new field, for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain down justice upon you.” (Hos 10:1-3, 7-8, 12)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/hosea/10?1
The Prophet Hosea makes the astonishing statement that justice is the fruit of piety. Justice is not optional. Justice is where our love of God should lead us. If our love of God does not express itself in love of neighbor, then we haven’t loved God at all.
While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” (Lk 11:27-28)
https://web-ordo-colombiano.cec.org.co/lectura-dia
Today is the patronal feast of Colombia, Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquira. As Elizabeth says to Mary, "Blessed are you who have believed, for what the Lord has said to you will be fulfilled". And Jesus says to all of us: "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and put it into practice".
Thus says the LORD: I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart. She shall respond there as in the days of her youth, when she came up from the land of Egypt. I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD. (Hosea 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070824.cfm
We are in the Summer of the Prophets. The first reading at the daily Masses will be from the prophets until the end of August. Today we have a fascinating image from the prophet Hosea: God goes a-courting! Of course, God is courting us! As God says, I will speak to your heart, in right and in justice, in love and in mercy, forever in fidelity, and we shall know the Lord.
