Dear Friends
I invite you to read the passage of scripture below from the prophet Hosea while remembering that today is Mother’s Day. I hope your picture of God—who is so often only ever referred to as Father—will expand to include the depths and strengths of Mother-like-love…
When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.
The more I called them, the more they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and offering incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.
My people are bent on turning away from me. To the Most High they call, but he does not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my fierce anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, and I will not come in wrath. (Hosea 11:1-5, 7-9).
When I read this passage of scripture I feel the stubborn strength of God’s love most closely imitated by mothers who go on loving whether their children return the love or not. Praise be to mothers everywhere. Alan
Sunday, 9th May 2010
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