Daily Readings - Sat Mar 10 2018
Hosea
15I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and seek my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.
1"Come, let us return to the LORD; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.2After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.3Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; his going out is sure as the dawn; he will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth."4What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? Your love is like a morning cloud, like the dew that goes early away.5Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth, and my judgment goes forth as the light.6For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
Luke
9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:10"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.11The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.'13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful lessons on humility and the nature of our relationship with God. The first reading from Hosea speaks of a people in tribulation, seeking God’s face and acknowledging their need for healing and revival. Hosea emphasizes that God desires not sacrifices, but mercy and a true knowledge of Him. This passage reflects the prophet’s call to the Israelites to return to a genuine faith, one that goes beyond external rituals and touches the heart.
The Gospel parable from Luke contrasts the Pharisee and the tax collector, highlighting the dangers of self-righteousness and the beauty of humility. The Pharisee, focused on his own perceived righteousness, fails to recognize his need for God’s mercy. Meanwhile, the tax collector, humbly acknowledging his sinfulness, finds justification. Jesus teaches us that true righteousness comes not from comparing ourselves to others, but from a humble and contrite heart.
These readings remind us that our relationship with God is not about outward appearances or self-justification. It is about approaching Him with humility, recognizing our limitations, and seeking His mercy. In our daily lives, let us reflect on our own prayer and relationship with God. May we avoid the trap of self-righteousness and instead seek Him with a sincere and humble heart, knowing that it is in humility that we are exalted.