Hos. 6:1-6 | Ps. 51:3-4, 18-21 | Lk. 18:9-14

Luke tells us about the Pharisee and the tax collector who go into the Temple to pray. The tax collector recognizes his sinfulness and asks God’s forgiveness.  The Pharisee, in contrast, is full of pride and prays out of that pride.  Doing so, he condemns the tax collector.  Jesus tells us that the Pharisee has already received his reward.  God looks upon our humility and desires to bless us.  God is not able to enter our hearts or touch us if we think we already have it made in the shade.  God desires that we come in humility and rely on God’s love to water the soil of our soul and touch our hearts to respond in love.  This is what Hosea tries to remind us to do, that is to come to God, admit our guilt, rely on God to be present to heal us, and to respond in love and change.

Take time to reflect on your life.  What areas of your life need to be changed?  Ask God to help you to respond to God’s love and begin to live a new way, that is, God’s way of love, truth, and humility.