In today's first reading from the prophet Hosea we hear the plea of a loving God: "Come back to me" Come back to me with words of repentance. Come back from those places of un-freedom, those places that keep you locked up in yourself. We are reminded of God's covenant and His faithfulness to this covenant. In the past God led His people from slavery in Egypt into the promised land. Today God continues to call us into friendship with Himself that will bring us fruitfulness in our lives. God wants to free us from our burdens, our burdens of sin, of guilt, of shame, whatever keeps us aloof from Him.

He hears our cry today, He knows our needs. He knows our deep desires. He calls us again to a life of happiness and wholeness. God does not take pleasure in our sacrifices and holocausts but calls us to love - to love our God and to love our neighbour. Love is better than sacrifice. Let us open our hearts today to this merciful and loving God. Let us share with Him our burdens and our needs. Let us hear His invitation to come back to Him that we may again live in happiness and peace.