Good morning, good people! May the Lord give you peace, health, and happiness in the Holy Spirit. Today is March 28, 2025. We reflect on Hosea 14:2-10 and Mark 12:28-34.
Is my love for God genuine, or is it merely words? Do I make God my first priority, or do I let other things take His place? How can I love my neighbor more selflessly today?
Pope Francis reminds us: “Loving God means serving our neighbor without reserve, trying to forgive without limits, and striving to build a world where justice and peace reign.”
Through the prophet Hosea, God calls His people back, reminding them of His unfailing mercy and everlasting faithfulness. Despite Israel’s disloyalty and idolatry, God promises to heal, restore, and bless them: “It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me.” (Hosea 14:8)
Even when we fall, God remains ready to embrace us with compassion. Lent is a time to return to the Lord, to leave behind sinful attachments, and to allow His love to transform us.
A young woman struggling with faith once asked a priest, “How do I know if I truly love God?” The priest replied, “When was the last time you truly loved and served someone who could give you nothing in return?”
That night, the woman reflected on her life. She realized she often prayed, but rarely acted on love. The next day, she visited a sick neighbor, offered to help, and began to serve the poor. In loving others, she discovered a deeper love for God.
The Psalm echoes this invitation: “I am the Lord your God; listen to my warning.” (Psalm 80:9,11)
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us the greatest commandment – to love God above all and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These two commandments are inseparable: true love for God is proven in how we love others.
Yet, in today’s world, self-centeredness can become a modern form of idolatry. The “selfie mentality” often makes us focus on ourselves rather than on God and others.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the antidotes to the spiritual sickness of idolatry. May the Lord bless us and lead us closer to Him. Have a grace-filled day!