Daily Readings - Sat Mar 10 2018
First Reading - Hosea 5.15b – 6.6
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
Gospel - Luke 18.9-14
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 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.