Emphasis Preaching Journal

Fred Rogers was invited to be the baccalaureate speaker for Boston University's class of 1992. During the address he shared from one of his favorite books, The Little Prince. The passage he cited discussed that which is most important about people "is invisible to the eye." Personal significance is not found in honors and prizes but in integrity. He then asked the class this question, "What is essential about you that is invisible to the eye?" He then paused for a considerable amount of time, allowing each student and faculty member to ponder the question. Even the president of the university, sitting to his side with his tasseled cap and impressive gold medallion, was gripped by the question. It was a time not for self-absorption, but one for self-reflection. Rogers then broke the silence and answered his own question by singing the song, "It's You I Like." Everyone sat in silence, and some even cried, as they listened to these lyrics, "It's you I like. It's not the things you wear. It's not the way you do your hair, but it's you I like. The way you are right now. The way deep down inside you. Not the things that you hide – not your diplomas, they're just beside you. But it's you I like. Every part of you." This is the love of total acceptance, blemishes and all.

Love. That is the message from our lectionary reading for today. Hosea shares how God loves Israel like a father loves a son. God loves every part of them, even when they wander away to worship Baal and other false idols. We read of God's sadness that the children of Abraham that he raised like a parent have forsaken him. God will continue to call to his children and one day they will return to him, swiftly running like lion cubs to their mother.