Daily Readings - Sat Mar 10 2018
First Reading - Hosea 5.15b – 6.6
Hosea
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Gospel - Luke 18.9-14
Luke
And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall 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.