Steadfast Love

Meditation for Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 2:14-16, 19-20; Mt 9:18-26)

The name ‘Hosea’ means ‘Salvation.’ Hosea prophesized during the reign of Jeroboam II, before the fall of the Northern Kingdom of Israel to Assyria. The prophet is popularly known for his marriage to Gomer the prostitute. This unfaithful woman became a symbol of Israel’s unfaithfulness to God in following other gods and committing evil. It was strange and scandalous that a holy man like Hosea would stoop low to marry such an unbefitting woman. Thus, the prophet became a symbol of God’s covenant with His people, and God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s infidelity. Hosea’s marriage with Gomer became an illustration of God’s intense desire for His people, and His excessive mercy and forgiveness. “And I will espouse you forever; I will espouse you in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will espouse you in faithfulness; and you shall know the Lord.”

God’s salvation is manifested through His love and mercy. What Hosea stood for and depicted in symbols, is now given in reality and in its fullness in Jesus Christ. Therefore, we gaze upon Jesus in the Gospel of today as He heals the woman with hemorrhage through her faith, and as He raised the official’s daughter back to life. Jesus’ love and compassion for the sick woman was so overwhelming that a little touch at the fringe of his garment healed her.  The abundance of life in Him was so excessive that He held the girl by the hand and restored her to life.

 

Sin is like a sickness to the soul; death is the consequences thereof. But as in the illustration of Hosea and Gomer, Jesus heals us and restores our life. We come to Him for that divine that divine touch, no matter has little it might be. And we marvel and testify at His steadfast love and mercy, which heals and restores us. Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Monday July 4, 2022.

www.nwachinwe.blogspot.com