Like One Who Raises an Infant to His Cheeks

Today’s first Mass reading from the Book of Hosea is one I love. When I need comfort from my loving God, this is one of the passages I turn to.

God speaks, telling us

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.

Just sit with the images for a while. No deep thinking or analysis. Don’t try to figure anything out.

Just sit with the image of God raising you to his cheek as one would an infant…the image of God, who draws you with bands of love. The God who loved you then, loves you now and will love you always.

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