With today’s reading we come to the end of the Book of Hosea who pleads with Israel to repent and return to God. And God says that one day He’ll heal their waywardness and love them freely. God goes on to describe this new healed Israel as a bountiful tree that will grow deep roots and broad branches and offer shade and fruit to all of the nations – an image of God’s promise to Abraham – how Israel will become a blessing to the nations.

In the Gospel reading Jesus is predicting the persecution of the Church. There are numerous martyrs starting with St. Stephen who gave up their lives for the Gospel. Jesus tells the Apostles to be shrewd and astute as a serpent, but be gentle and innocent as a dove in spreading his word. He tells them not to fear, that the Spirit will guide them in what to say. Today, even more we need the Spirit to sustain us, guide us and prompt us especially in leading our children and young adults away from the wolves preying on them.

Skip in regard to your question, I too needed clarity and this is what I’ve come across http://www.agapebiblestudy.com/Matthew_Gospel/Matthew_Lesson_14.htm
Matthew 10:23 ~ When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

This verse suggests an eschatological (eschatology is the study of what Scripture teaches about the end times. Eschatology reminds Christians that this world isn’t our home and to look beyond what is presently happening for heaven, where they will be with Christ and the saints forever.) interpretation of verse 22. Jesus assures them that they will not have completed their mission to the children of Israel before He comes in glory. This is probably a reference to His glorious Resurrection, but it has also been interpreted by Biblical scholars as referring to the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the judgment on the Old Covenant Church and Jerusalem in 70 AD that resulted in the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem that was prophesied by Jesus (Mt 24:1-22).

I always appreciate your reflections, something is always felt, gained or clarified. However, the piece of your writing that always gets to me is your closing, “God Love You Always”. Today especially, it felt like an incredible hug. Thank you for that as well as for your reflections.
God Love You Always,
N Rollins