These readings are filled with powerful images of transformation and revelation. Hosea's glimpse into the heart of God shows God calling his people into being with a love so strong that it is likened to a father holding up a baby to snuggle against his face. And even in the face of human brokenness he calls us out of the exile of fear and terror into a loving home, saying "They shall come trembling like birds from Egypt, and like doves from the land of Assyria; and I will return them to their homes".

Then Paul gives voice in a different way to the same mystery of hope. By being raised with Christ, by accepting Christ into our lives, Paul reminds us that we have died and our life is hidden with Christ in God. In a way this oneness with God is the home to which we are called in the prophet's words. But Paul goes on to the promise of a greater transformation still: "When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." Imagine that! Imagine being revealed with Christ in glory, all our faults and failings and brokenness fallen away and lost, leaving behind that image of God with which we were created and which Jesus came to restore to us and to the Father!

We must never lose sight of this vision of the generous transformative love of God. Jesus himself in the our gospel warns us what will happen to those with greedy hearts who let go of this vision: "So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God."

In our time of silent reflection let us hear what the Spirit is saying to us, the church Christ came to save. Let us dwell for a time hidden indeed in God but awaiting the Word that cries out in our heart "When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son."