Saturday of the Third Week of Lent
Being humble is a challenging mindset, but it is essential in our relationship with God. When we practice humility, we acknowledge that we do not know everything, we can and will make mistakes, we need others to survive, and we are not in control. Today’s readings remind us that God desires a relationship based on humility and love. When we understand our great need for God’s love and mercy, and allow God’s love to direct our lives, then we are able to give to God what is most desired- a humble and contrite heart. It is from this foundation that God sends us forth to be God’s presence to the world.
In the gospel reading, the Pharisee presents himself as better than others. He believes that because of his “holy” actions he does not need the mercy of God. The tax-collector recognizes his guilt, asks for mercy and believes in the need for God’s forgiveness. Jesus points out that it is the tax collector that will receive God’s mercy, but the Pharisee will not, since the Pharisee does not even recognize his need for God’s grace and forgiveness. Similar to our human relationships, when one person believes that he/she is better and his/her deeds are the source of this superiority, there is a barrier that is created between the two people. Without recognition of the need for mutual respect, sharing, and acceptance, there is little opportunity for the relationship to flourish.
In the first reading, God speaks through the prophet Hosea telling the people, “For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” God desires a relationship with His people, and this requires a “heart contrite and humbled.” Until the people of God recognize their need for God and God’s love and mercy, then all of their acts of worship are empty and without meaning. Once the people recognize their need for God and God’s grace, then God sends the people forth to “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Micah 6:8
What does this mean for us as disciples of Jesus? Like the tax collector, we must also understand our need for God’s mercy and grace. We must recognize that all we have is a gift from God that proceeds from God’s great love for us. When we open ourselves to this love, we can then be inspired by the Spirit to be sent forth and share this love with others through our works of mercy. Here is where the challenge arises. When we perform these “holy” works, we need to be careful that we do not become like the Pharisee where we begin to see our deeds as the source of our goodness and worth. Through our words and deeds we must continue to humbly identify God as the source of all that is good in our life. Without God’s mercy and love, it would be impossible for us to go forward in the world living these lives of faith. It is in this dependence and acceptance of God’s presence in our lives that we are best able to express our love for God. Our humble and contrite heart is the first step in nurturing this relationship. Once we have established this as our foundation, then our prayers, our sacrifices, and all of our actions become truly holy, since they emanate from the love of God in our hearts.
Loving God, a humble heart is what You desire, since as Jesus shows us we cannot be open to Your love without the recognition of our need for You and Your mercy. Send down Your Spirit, so we can know the fullness of Your love and mercy. Provide us the courage and wisdom to go forth and share these gifts with the world, so all may know Your goodness and glory. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
Marylynn Herchline