Today's first reading is the graphic introduction to Hosea, the hard-edged prophet who understood Israel's faithlessness through his own unhappy marriage. In harsh language, we immediately learn that Hosea's wife is unfaithful and his children are troublesome. This, in a small way, is the same problem God has with the people -- they have betrayed God. The implication is that God feels like a husband whose wife cheats on him and like a father whose children are horrible.
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The second reading applies the personal situation of Hosea to God's relationships with the Jewish people. By worshiping false gods, the people have cheated on God and been unfaithful. In some ways, God wants nothing to do with the people because the faithlessness and infidelity is so painful. However, God points toward the ways in which the relationship can be reconciled, through a change of spirit and a restoration of true faith in God. Then, God again will fully embrace the Jewish people as the chosen people.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Hosea 1-3 today.
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read Hosea 1-3 today.
