Daily Readings - Sat Mar 29 2025
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 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.