In our daily masses, we have been hearing from a lot of different prophets lately. Last week we heard from Amos, a shepherd from the southern kingdom of Judah whom God called to be a prophet of social justice. This week we hear from the prophet Hosea. Hosea lived and prophesied before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in the 8th century before Christ’s birth. In our reading today, we hear how Hosea is very unhappy about the kings and princes whom the people have chosen to be their leaders. Many of these kings and princes made idols for worship that led the people away from God. We have been hearing about a lot of elections that have been happening in different parts of the world, particularly the presidential election that was held in Mexico recently. We are electing congressmen and two Senators in Mississippi in the national election this November, which will be important in choosing leaders for our state and for our nation. It is very important for us to choose wisely. I look at what is still being played out in the United Kingdom. Even though two years ago that country voted to exit the European Union, many in the country are not sure how that is going to happen or if that is what they really want for their country. We need prayer and discernment and a well informed conscience in order to make wise decisions in how to vote. We contrast the leaders that Hosea calls out to the leadership Jesus embodies in today’s Gospel – being a shepherd to the people, having compassion for the way they are troubled and burdened, teaching and preaching the Gospel message of Good News, and brining healing into the lives of the people. Jesus’ servant leadership is a great example for us. May we take our responsibility to vote seriously. May we vote with the values of our faith.
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