April 2, 2011
Saturday of the Third Week in Lent
In their affliction, they shall look for me: "Come, let us return to the LORD, For it is he who has rent, but he will heal us; he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds. He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, to live in his presence. Let us know, let us strive to know the LORD; as certain as the dawn is his coming, and his judgment shines forth like the light of day! He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth." (Hosea 6:1-6)
“But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner.' I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:13-14
Piety
Be merciful, oh Lord, for we have sinner, too.
Study
After a week of spring rain (and snow!), we get the picture of what the prophet refers in the first reading. God’s mercy will pour out to us constantly, persistently, whether we want it or not.
Contrast that abundant goodness with the context of harvest a few verses later in that reading. Usually, harvest imagery also relates to the bountiful grace which God will pour out upon us. However, in the First Reading today, Hosea tells us that a harvest has been appointed when we will reap the consequences of our actions just like the humble and repentant tax collector or the proud and boastful Pharisee in the Gospel.
Action
How providential that yesterday, Mel Rigney’s Tripod Reflection was on the phrase “Hear My Voice.” Last night, I had the opportunity to listen to a talk by a Palestinian Christian who opened my ears to some history lessons which have been glossed over by the depiction of conflicts in Israel, Gaza (where he was born) and the West Bank.
He reminded the audience that Jews and Arabs co-existed in partnership for thousands of years. Usually, it was the invading Europeans who expelled the Jews. He asked us to consider supporting the efforts of groups in civil society who will promote friendship, truth and reconciliation.
Groups like Friends of Sabeel – North America (FOSNA) and Jewish Voice for Peace urge actions like asking retirement companies to divest from companies which are profiting from the occupation of the Palestinian territories as outlined by the United Nations. Also, you can support their efforts by purchasing fair trade goods made in these areas and marketed by groups like Canaan Fair Trade USA (http://www.canaanusa.com/).
