Some are identified for special attention

The psalmist from the texts of the Roman Catholic Lectionary today addresses “offspring of his servant Abraham,^* children of Jacob, his chosen ones”. The Monotheistic Religions which trace their salvation history to Abraham, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are identified by God for special attention and a special role. The concept of “special” too often is associated with exclusivity. The important idea to keep in balance is that selection is to accomplish the Will of God which is to be in delightful intimate communion with all humanity. The prophet is gifted with eyes that see as God sees. Friar Jude Winkler comments that Hosea identifies the rulers and wealthy of the Kingdom of Israel for special attention. Their management of the society has created great wealth for some and economic slavery for most. The celebration of the well being of the people has become worship of Baal, the religious observance approved by the rulers. The prophet understands and proclaims this as a path of destruction for the kingdom of Israel. The Gospel of Matthew lists the followers of Jesus chosen for special apostolic work. Matthew was writing his Gospel for Jewish Christians in Antioch in the first century. The restoration of the people of Israel continues to be a theme which informs us of our own continuing ongoing need for restoration as our personal and social situations look more and more familiar to the environment observed by Hosea.