Saturday of the Third Week of Lent

Reading I: Hosea 6:1–6
Psalm: 51:3–4, 18–19, 20–21ab
Gospel: Luke 18:9–14

Today’s first reading is one of the most beautiful texts in the Old Testament. Not only does it contain a poignant prophecy of the Resurrection, but it also offers us so much hope and encouragement as we round out this third week of our Lenten journey. Even though we might be feeling a bit fed up with our different penances and spiritual practices at this point, Hosea reminds us that the arrival of the Lord is as sure as the dawn, and when He comes, His presence will be like the spring rain that waters the earth after the cold, dark days of winter. Easter is coming!

As we continue to prepare to reach our goal, we should call to mind the words of the prophet, which we find repeated in the psalm: “For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice” (Hos 6:6). What does this mean exactly? On one level, it is a reminder of much more than the burnt sacrificial offerings that characterized the Old Covenant. What God desires of us is the offering of a merciful heart. In other words, rituals and offerings are important, but they must flow from love. At a deeper level, however, it seems that what the Lord is also saying is not just that He wants us to show mercy to other people, but also that first and foremost we need to come into an encounter with His Divine Mercy. For it is only when we realize how much we are the recipients of mercy and love that we can begin to extend this grace to those around us. This is what makes the tax collector in the Gospel a model for us; here is one who knew of his need for forgiveness and went in humble search of the Lord’s loving mercy. Let us become more like him.

Where have I been slacking in my Lenten commitments, and what can I do to revitalize my efforts for these final three weeks?

Reference:

Journey Through Lent: Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings by Clement Harrold