Daily Readings - Sat Mar 29 2025
Hosea
1In their tribulation, they will arise early to me. Come, let us return to the Lord2For he has seized us, and he will heal us. He will strike, and he will cure us3He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, and we will live in his sight. We will understand, and we will continue on, so that we may know the Lord. His landing place has been prepared like the first light of morning, and he will come to us like the early and the late rains of the land4What am I to do with you, Ephraim? What am I to do with you, Judah? Your mercy is like the morning mist, and like the dew passing away in the morning5Because of this, I have cut them with the prophets, I have slain them with the words of my mouth; and your opinions will depart like the light6For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and knowledge of God more than holocausts
Luke
9Now about certain persons who consider themselves to be just, while disdaining others, he told also this parable10"Two men ascended to the temple, in order to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector11Standing, the Pharisee prayed within himself in this way: ‘O God, I give thanks to you that I am not like the rest of men: robbers, unjust, adulterers, even as this tax collector chooses to be12I fast twice between Sabbaths. I give tithes from all that I possess.13And the tax collector, standing at a distance, was not willing to even lift up his eyes to heaven. But he struck his chest, saying: ‘O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.14I say to you, this one descended to his house justified, but not the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, mercy, and our relationship with God. The first reading from Hosea speaks of a people in distress, seeking God's face and acknowledging their need for healing. Hosea emphasizes that true knowledge of God and acts of mercy are far more valuable than outward sacrifices. This passage is set against the backdrop of Israel's unfaithfulness, yet it offers hope for restoration through genuine repentance and humility.
The Gospel parable from Luke contrasts the Pharisee, who prays with self-righteousness, and the tax collector, who humbly asks for mercy. Jesus teaches that it is the humble, not the self-exalted, who are justified. This parable challenges us to examine our own attitudes in prayer and in life, reminding us that true righteousness comes from recognizing our need for God's grace.
Both readings call us to live with humility and authenticity. In our daily lives, this means approaching prayer and relationships with a humble heart, acknowledging our shortcomings, and trusting in God's mercy. Let us strive to live in such a way that we seek God not out of pride, but out of a genuine desire to know and love Him.