30th Sunday, Year A, First Reading (Exodus 22:20-26 or 21-27)

21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. 22 “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

Historical Background to the Book of Hosea

The prophet Hosea lived in the north kingdom of Israel at the time of Jeroboam II (793-753 BC) and after. He probably began prophesying around 760 BC. His oracles predicted the destruction and exile of his nation. At the time, Israel was prosperous and, since things seemed to be going well, people were little inclined