frigid
"I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart...She shall respond there as in the days of her youth." —Hosea 2:16, 17
God's people have become frigid, totally unresponsive to the advances of a loving God. Here we are in the middle of summer, but it's cold inside the hearts of humanity. Jesus said of the end of the end: "Because of the increase of evil, the love of most will grow cold" (Mt 24:12). Jesus came to light a fire on the earth. How He wishes the blaze were ignited! (Lk 12:49) However, like the daughter of Jairus, the world lies in the coldness of death, spiritual death. "Rigor mortis" has set in. However, Jesus takes us by the hand to raise us to life and love (Mt 9:25).
"On that day, says the Lord, she shall call Me, 'My Husband' " (Hos 2:18). "I will espouse you to Me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity" (Hos 2:21-22). "You shall be called 'My delight' " (Is 62:4). "As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you" (Is 62:5).
Respond to your Lord and His love. He is so responsive to you. "On that day I will respond, says the Lord; I will respond to the heavens, and they shall respond to the earth" (Hos 2:23). Melt before the fire of His love, "for our God is a consuming Fire" (Heb 12:29).
Prayer: Jesus, we are Your "frozen chosen." Melt, warm, and inflame us by Your love.
Promise: "Jesus turned around and saw her and said, 'Courage, daughter! Your faith has restored you to health.' That very moment the women got well." —Mt 9:22
Praise: Thomas' heart warms and softens when he contemplates the crucified Christ.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape Divine Love on audio AV 52-3 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2005
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