An important message that emerges in the sayings of prophet Hosea today is that even in the face of Israel's constant struggle against sin and unfaithfulness to God and His Covenant, there is hope for the nation. While condemning the people's behaviour, Hosea is able to recognise the positive and redeeming side of the whole struggle, that is, God's everlasting and enduring love for His people. No matter how sinful they are, or however hopeless the situation may seem, with God, there is always hope.

In a sense, this is the same message we find in the Gospel passage today. Even in the face of the constant scheming and manipulative behaviour of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus comes across a scribe who sincerely and honestly attempts to understand the basis of Jesus' teachings. To the question of the scribe, Jesus responds with the traditional Shema prayer "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is Lord alone" and goes on to link the love of God with the love for one's neighbour. The scribe appreciates the response of Jesus, which leads Jesus to claim that the scribe is "not far from the Kingdom of God".

Yes, with God, there is always hope. In the face of our constant struggle with sin in our own lives, the love of God overshadows our weakness and sense of unworthiness. God continues to call us and assure us of His everlasting love and compassion. He never gives up on us. When we call out to Him, He saves us. Be hopeful, for God is with you!