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 from the prophet Hosea, we see the admonition of the prophet to the people of Israel, to repent from their ways and retrace their steps back to God. The love of God for his people is seen in the message of the prophet Hosea to the people. The Lord says that if they listen to his voice and act on it, he is going to bless them beyond their expectation. This goes to show that God does not desire the death of a sinner, but rather wants them to repent from their evil ways and live. The message of the prophet in todays 1st reading is in line with the character of the season of Lent, a call for us to retrace our steps and return to God. We have nothing to lose and everything to gain if we decide to listen to the voice of God and embrace the teachings and ways of God that will lead us to eternal life. It is never too late for us to make that important decision today in our life, God is ever ready to forgive us our sins and give us another chance to become a true child of God that we are called to be.
The words of the prophet in todays 1st reading should convince you that God is ever ready to forgive you and give you another chance. Sometimes, some people are scared because of their past life, and they are worried whether their sins can be forgiven by God. I want you to know today that there is no sin you may have committed that is greater than the mercy of God. He is always ready to forgive us our sins when we return to him with a sincere repentance. Remember that we are talking about the same God who planned the destroy Nineveh, but after the message of Jonah and the people repented, God forgave them their sins and did not destroy Nineveh as earlier planned. We are also talking about a God who said that he came for the sinners and not the righteous, make that leap of faith today and see how God will surprise you with his mercy.
In the gospel reading of today, Jesus answers the question about the greatest commandment, and he said it is love of God and neighbour. We see how this reflected in the life of Jesus, in the same way, we are all encouraged during this season of Lent to practice the same in our personal life. As you do this 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.