Saturday of the Third Week

Reflection
It's been a cold and snowy winter. We look forward to the days when the temperature hits 30 degrees, although I can't quite remember when that last was.  And yet, no matter how tired I am from moving snow, I know that spring is coming. When everything is white, when the storms arrive in waves, still I know spring is coming.

Hosea expresses this faith in God. And while the Lord will nourish us with His rain, His light, His dawn, there is urgency in Hosea's plea. It's true: Easter and its spring rain awaits; however, first there must be Lent. First, we must seek God's healing. We must be washed. Let us strive to know the Lord, to take action as Hosea enjoins us, to love as He desires.

Let us admit that we all can be tax collectors, taking what we have not earned, sometimes demanding more than we need or than someone can give. Unwilling to give ourselves. Totaling accounts in our relationships and measuring ourselves against others. In today's Gospel, it was the tax collector, rather than the self-righteous and scornful Pharisee, who, despite his greed and corruption, turned to God asking for mercy.  When the Lord comes, let Him find us seeking not to exalt ourselves, but seeking the rain of His mercy.

 

Prayer

Jesus, it is mercy You desire, not sacrifice; help us to come to You with humble hearts.

TJ Bird Matarazzo, ’98, Member of the Worshipping Community

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