Was God the displeased one, or was it Hosea?
The common teaching of the time was that somehow sinners brought God’s punishment upon themselves. This had to be a lonely existence; which is why when Jesus has pity on those who are troubled and abandoned, it is a moment of hope for those who have been listening to prophets like Hosea say God remembers guilt and punishes sinners.
Jesus sees the people as a group without a shepherd and conveys the image of a shepherd as one who protects others, is concerned about their welfare, and stand by them. Jesus is seeking helpers with these traits- he asks his disciples to ask God to send more workers. The more people to help harvest God’s word, the better!
Do I see God as being angry with you or looking out for you? Why? How can you be a shepherd for others?
Let us ask God to send more men, women, young and old with compassionate hearts to respond to the cry of the troubled and abandoned who walk the earth today.
For additional reading: Today’s Readings
