Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
(Hosea 14:2-10; Mark 12:28-34)
It is said that no
prophet expresses God’s love – God’s hesed -- better than Hosea. With brilliant images Hosea shows how God’s tender
mercy calls, transforms, and blesses the people of Israel.
Today’s first reading amply illustrates Hosea’s vision of
God’s love. It says that God’s love is
like a morning dew which enables lilies to bloom. It also softens the ground to allow trees to
plant their shoots for future beauty, shade, and fruit.
God’s calls us throughout our lives, but never with greater urgency
in liturgical readings than during Lent.
We are to turn away from power, pleasure, and prestige to follow His way
of selfless love.
