A reading from
the Book of the Prophet Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13
Thus says the Lord:/ They made kings in Israel, but not by my authority;/ they established princes, but without my approval./ With their silver and gold they made/ idols for themselves, to their own destruction./ Cast away your calf, O Samaria!/ my wrath is kindled against them;/ How long will they be unable to attain/ innocence in Israel?/ The work of an artisan,/ no god at all,/ Destined for the flames—/ such is the calf of Samaria!
When they sow the wind,/ they shall reap the whirlwind;/ The stalk of grain that forms no ear/ can yield no flour;/ Even if it could,/ strangers would swallow it.
When Ephraim made many altars to expiate sin,/ his altars became occasions of sin./ Though I write for him my many ordinances,/ they are considered as a stranger’s./ Though they offer sacrifice,/ immolate flesh and eat it,/ the Lord is not pleased with them./ He shall still remember their guilt/ and punish their sins;/ they shall return to Egypt.
The word of the Lord.
