We are called by God in many ways. But often God calls us to something not so easy, something with many challenges and difficulties. There are times others may not understand what we are doing and what motives we may have for what we are doing. As in the time of Jesus when so many refused to believe in him and hated him and. in the end, even had him sentenced to death on the cross, the following of Jesus will have its heavy costs on us. In the Gospel reading Jesus warns us his followers of these dangers and difficulties: “I send you out like sheep among wolves. You must be clever as snakes and innocent as doves. Be on your guard with respect to people, for they will hand you over to their courts and they will flog you in their synagogues.”
Jesus also assures us of triumph because of his love and protection: “Everyone will hate you because of me, but whoever stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Using the image of healthy trees, in the first reading Hosea assures us that those who follow God will prosper and grow.