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Remember Hosea too
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Tomorrow is Independence Day, but for Catholics it is also a day to remember Hosea the Prophet. His saint day is celebrated on July 4 every year, a time when Americans also remember the founding fathers of this country. The prophet was a family man. The theme of family unity is one that winds throughout all of Hosea’s prophecies. His relationship with his unfaithful wife afforded him a better understanding of God’s relationship with Israel. He identifies God not only as a husband, but also as a father.
Hosea lived during a time of political unrest in the Levant (the occupied lands of the biblical Middle East). King Jeroboam II’s reign was coming to an end, which places Hosea’s ministry sometime after 745. It was a time of great unrest. The tiny country of Israel was in peril, threatened with extinction by the Assyrians. The pressure was not just external, however. During Hosea’s life, a procession of kings took the throne, each assuring the people they would be protected from the invaders. Unfortunately, all the kings were unsuccessful, and the lack of a central power was as detrimental to the survival of Israel as foreign attack. The Israelites had no where to look for aid. Hosea cautioned the Israelites against seeking help with the Egyptians. In his opinion, it would only be the lesser of two evils, even though the Egyptians' and the Israelites' goals were the same: stop the advance of the Assyrians. Political and military turmoil was not the only problems facing these ancient people. Hosea was also concerned by the practice of venerating idols within in the Israelites’ community. Much of Hosea’s ministry revolves around this deep concern.
Hosea was a man of great feeling and emotion, a true poet. His personal life played a large part in his ministry. He often translated his experiences in order to get a better idea of God and God’s relationship with Israel. Hosea was married to a woman, Gomer, who committed adultery; however, he was always willing to forgive her for her sins. This situation gave him new insight about God’s love for his people while preaching his oracles. The lessons that he learned were experienced, not read off a page. The entire feel of the book of Hosea is one of emotion and feeling. He genuinely cared about the fate of Israel and expressed it as love even as he brought their sins to light. Like a good father, he was loving but firm, too.
Take a little time this Fourth of July to reflect not only on the founding fathers of our country, but also the founding fathers of our faith!
