LOVE REFUSES TO GIVE UP
Hosea 2:16-18, 21-22; Psalm 145; Matthew 9:18-26
Hosea says: “You will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer ‘My Master'” (Hos. 2:16). God deliberately changes the language of the relationship from fear to intimacy, from obligation to covenant love. A master may command, but a husband remains committed.
Even after Israel’s unfaithfulness, God does not abandon her; He pursues her with unfailing love. This is the God who assures us: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:8). God’s love is not based on our performance but on His faithfulness.
The Gospel puts this covenant love on display. A synagogue official refuses to let death have the final word and falls at Jesus’ feet for his little daughter. A woman who had suffered from hemorrhage for twelve long years reaches out in faith and touches the fringe of Christ’s garment. One had lost hope to death; the other had lost dignity to disease. Yet both discovered that where faith meets Jesus, impossibilities surrender.
Jairus walked by faith before he saw the miracle, and the woman persevered until she touched Christ. Faith does not quit because the journey is long. God’s love never gives up, and neither should your faith.
LET US PRAY
Father of unfailing love, thank You for never giving up on us. Strengthen our faith when we grow weary, deepen our trust when answers seem delayed. Help us and save us through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
