Daily Readings - Sat Mar 29 2025
Hosea
15I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.
1Come, 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.2After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.3Then 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.4O 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.5Therefore 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.6For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Luke
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11The 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.12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13And 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.14I 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 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.