Saturday of the Third Week
Reflection

Today’s readings confront us with messages that are challenging as well as subtle in their implications, because they address not only our external actions but also the purity of our motives. The first reading concludes with the words, “For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” Love, which in its essence is active concern for the welfare of a person or persons other than oneself, must be at the heart of all our actions, and we must always remember that God is love and that “he who loves abides in God, and God in him.” In the responsorial psalm we read “It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.” Instead we must offer a “contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn.” We must be contrite when our actions are not simply for the benefit of others but rather to make ourselves look good in the eyes of others.

In today’s Gospel, we have the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the latter of whom was a member of a despised profession. The Pharisee prides himself on his good deeds, which are designed to call public attention to himself. The tax collector, on the other hand, is sincerely sorry for whatever wrong he has done and seeks forgiveness and God’s mercy. The tax collector, unlike the Pharisee, “went home justified” because of his sincere repentance for his past misdeeds and his humble desire to do better in the future.

Prayer

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Three in One and One in Three, give us the strength to act with sincerity and simplicity in all that we do.

Lorraine Sterritt, President of Saint Michael’s College and Norbert Lain, Instructor in Latin, Greek, and of Medical and Scientific Terminology

Scripture

First Reading: Hosea 6:1-6
Psalm 51:3-4, 18-21b
Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website