Reflection for March 21st, 2020

​Today’s Readings:    Hosea 6:1-6,  Psalm 51, Luke 18:9-14
 
Today’s Old Testament reading from the book of Hosea includes the line “It is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
God is telling us that Loving one another is even more important than our sacrifices.  It seems that God is telling us that if we FAST from anger and hatred and FEAST on loving actions and loving words toward the people around us, God will be pleased.  Let’s give it a try …….
 
Today’s gospel from Luke 18:9-14 (Look It Up!) tells us about a Pharisee who prayed in the temple, telling God how honest and wonderful he was. Then Jesus told about a tax collector in the same temple who couldn’t even look up because he knew he was a sinner.  What’s the point?  Jesus is very clear:  “I tell you, everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  Let’s face it, we’re all sinners.  The season of Lent is a time for deepening humility.  How are we doing?
 
In Christ’s Peace…
Carol Mullins