Saturday of the Third Week of Lent - March 26, 2022

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Hosea 6:1-6     Luke 18:9-14

Today’s Gospel is a reminder to be humble and kind.  It speaks of striving to know the Lord as his judgment will inevitably fall upon each of us. I feel that this message is more important than ever as we live in an era where society and the media place value on how much people have or how grand their lives are. Some media platforms can become a soapbox from which to shout one’s own ideations of self-importance. But does the Lord care about this? No. His judgment rests upon how we live our lives in piety, the kindness we bestow upon those around us, and our ability to reflect upon and ask forgiveness for our sins.

When the Pharisee and the tax collector went to the temple to pray, the Pharisee thanked the Lord that he was not like his fellow man. Thus, he insinuated that he felt that he was better than others. In contrast, the tax collector took a humble stance and asked God for mercy for his sins. By humbling himself, the tax collector went home justified while the Pharisee did not. I understand this to mean that if you rank yourself higher than others, you will be humbled, but if you humble yourself, you feel happy and alive.

This scripture is a good reminder to live our lives as Christ would have lived. When we are born, we do not get to choose what we are going to be, i.e. gender, race or economic status. However, we can choose how we live our lives and how we treat our neighbors. Strive to know the Lord through humbleness and kindness.

Q: How can I be humbler? What can I do today to live my life better?


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