A reading from
the Book of the Prophet Hosea 11:1-4, 8e-9
Thus says the Lord:/ When Israel was a child I loved him,/ out of Egypt I called my son./ The more I called them,/ the farther they went from me,/ Sacrificing to the Baals/ and burning incense to idols./ Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk,/ who took them in my arms;/ I drew them with human cords,/ with bands of love;/ I fostered them like one/ who raises an infant to his cheeks;/ Yet, though I stooped to feed my child,/ they did not know that I was their healer.
My heart is overwhelmed,/ my pity is stirred./ I will not give vent to my blazing anger,/ I will not destroy Ephraim again;/ For I am God and not man,/ the Holy One present among you;/ I will not let the flames consume you.
The word of the Lord.
