God's justice is always tempered with mercy and compassion, even when repeated calls to repentance and reconciliation are unheeded. The prophet Hosea transmits God's call in a reproachable but loving terms; just like a mother reminding her offspring of the lavish care she has bestowed upon the child of her womb - whom she can never reject. But the rebellious people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel refuse to return to the worship of Yahweh who continues to call.

On sending His apostles on their mission of evangelisation to the people of Israel, Jesus instructs them to exercise restraint when they encounter rejection. Moreover, He requires them to set an example of detachment from earthly comforts and gratuitous dispensing of God's gift to those who are willing to accept it.

As Christians, to what degree am I ready to put up with inconvenience to myself, and what amount of patience and forebearance have I shown in bringing the Gospel to others by word and example? Or, at least, instead of criticizing preachers and teachers of the faith have I offered up prayers for them to receive the grace from God to carry out their mission with apostolic zeal, empowered by the Holy Spirit?