It is 13th March 2021.
The readings are from Hosea 5:15-6:6; the second reading is from Luke 18:9-14.
“Come, let us return to the Lord; for it is he who has torn, and he will heal us; he has struck down, and he will bind us up.” (Hos.5:15).
God expects from us during this time of the Lent is honesty and genuine love towards God not appeasing attitudes. Mercy and love are to be boosted during this time more than ever and it needs to continue all through our life. Pretention and pleasing mentalities do pay the dividends of love. St. Bernard beautifully puts it, “The measure of our love to God is to love Him without measure; for the immense goodness of God deserves all the love that we can possibly give to Him.” Self-praise separates us from God, diminish humility to approach God and hardens our consciences.
The responsorial Psalm echoes the prophet, “What I desire is mercy, rather than sacrifice.” (Hos.6:6).
What we witness is the display of Mr. Pride verses Mr. Humility – Pharisee and Tax-collector. God is pleased with one and ignores the other. Our attitudes and actions either bring us closer to God or make us remain far from God. God is pulled toward sincere, honest, and humble hearts. We do not go to church to display our beauty, fame, and success rather to expose our vulnerability and brokenness to God. God look at us differently and looking for love and mercy from our heart. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Lk.18:14).
May we return to the Lord not to boast but to bend down to learn from God. Have a lovely day. God bless you.
Thank you, Fr Peter. And very well articulated. I been recently reading about Pnuematology – wherein the Holy Spirits endears more to a person who is of positive thought as opposed to another who harbors negativity. It appears while God always watches over us, we have the unfortunate power to repel God away from us also. May God be with us all.