Today we begin reading from the Jewish prophet Hosea, one of the most beautiful and shortest books in the Bible. Hosea was married to a woman named Gomer who was unfaithful to him. She is called a harlot, an adulteress, and a disgrace. Hosea just couldn't believe her infidelity, her turning to others for the love he wants to give to her. Eventually Gomer wants to return to Hosea, wants to make amends, and Hosea finds it in his heart to take her back.

Hosea sees in his wife's infidelity to him the same kind of infidelity Israel had towards its God. The Israelites worshipped many baals, many false gods, praying to each one, giving them the love and attention which is due to the one God alone.

Are we harlots? Do we commit adultery? Do we have false gods that we worship in secret or in public? Are there many ways we are unfaithful and give to other people or things the love and devotion which we should reserve for God alone?

Our God is faithful forever. Our God is waiting to take us back, waiting to stop the bleeding, ready to cure us, ready to take us by the hand and call us back to life. All we have to do is have faith and place our trust in Our God.