For Today
Topic: Reflection

READING 1 Hosea 6:3-6


Reading 1 Reflection
In this proclamation the prophet Hosea describes the people as wanting to know the Lord, and being confident of the Lord’s coming to them. This is all well and good. But the prophet reminds the people that the Lord will not come to them if their "piety is like the morning cloud" or "like the dew that early passes away." Piety alone (worship and making sacrifices) is not enough. Hosea is very clear: God wants love and knowledge from us. God wants us to know and love him in a personal way.

Discussion Questions for Reading 1
How does it feel to realize that the God of heaven and earth wants to know you and love you in a personal way, and wants you to know and love him personally? How can you place this idea at the core of your faith? How would it change the way you go to Mass, or live your faith in other ways? How can you make your relationship with God more personal and loving? Share ideas.

Also try this. Choose a quiet time—in your room or maybe in a favorite spot outdoors. Ask God to come into your life in a new way. (God never says no when someone asks him.) Ask him to show the way through any problems you may be having. Then spend some quiet time. What is God saying to you deep in your heart?

You might also like to pray with the Irish Jesuits each day at www.sacredspace.ie. You can read a short Scripture passage each day, and be led through a ten-minute meditation. Try it and see!