A reading from the book of the prophet Hosea.

When Israel was a child, I loved them, and out of Egypt I called my child. But the more I called them, the more they turned from me… It was I who taught Ephraim to walk, I took them up in my arms—but they did not see that it was I who made them whole. I led them with cords of human kindness and bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them…

How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? … My heart is aching within me; my compassion grows warm and tender… I will not turn from you, I will not abandon you. For I am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, who walks among you.

The Word of God recorded in the book of the prophet Hosea.