First ReadingHosea 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22
From the Book of Hosea
16“Therefore behold, I will allure her,and bring her into the wilderness,and speak tenderly to her.17I will give her vineyards from there,and the valley of Achor for a door of hope;and she will respond thereas in the days of her youth,and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.18It will be in that day,” says the Lord,“that you will call me ‘my husband,’and no longer call me ‘my master.’ verses 19–20 are not read21I will betroth you to me forever.Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.22I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness;and you shall know the Lord.