Friday of the 3rd week of Lent

Hosea 14: 1-9   Mark 12: 28b-34

Theme: A call to repentance

In the 1st reading of today, we see the prophet Hosea inviting the people of Israel to retrace their steps from iniquity and return to God, who is willing to forgive them and heal them from their faithlessness. This goes to show the depth of God’s love for his people. He does not desire that we die in our sins, but rather that we have life in abundance. That is why he continues to give us the opportunity to always retrace our steps and return to him. The message of the prophet Hosea in todays 1st reading is for all of us, especially during this season of God’s grace, the season of Lent. It presents us another opportunity to rebuild our relationship with God and start afresh, on the path that will lead us to eternal life. One thing we must always be mindful of, is the fact that there is no sin we may have committed that is greater than the mercy of God. The most important thing is for us to be remorseful and resolve not to return to our past ways that are not pleasing to God. We are all encouraged to make good use of the opportunity presented to us during this season of Lent and become a better version of ourselves.

Dearly beloved in Christ, the answer of Jesus in the Gospel reading of today, of the Scribes question about the greatest commandment, is all that is needed for us to be on the same page with our heavenly father. Jesus responded by saying that the greatest commandment is love of God and neighbour. This is very important in our lives as children of God, that is why St. Augustin would say “Love God and do whatever you like”. If our words and actions are founded on love, there is every possibility that we will not stray away from the path that will lead us to eternal life. This is because when there is true love, the works of darkness will have no place, because the light of Christ will dispel everything that is not of God in our lives. This is what we need today in our lives, families and in the world at large. It will help to drastically reduce the sin and evil in our world.

We are all encouraged today to embrace the prophet’s invitation for repentance and return to the ways of God that will lead us to eternal life. As you resolve to do this today may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.