First Reading - Hosea 14:2-10
Gospel - Mark 12:28-34
In the first reading, the prophet Hosea speaks of a God who earnestly desires the repentance of His people. God’s forgiveness is not a disregard for our sins but a grace that overshadows our brokenness when we return to Him with a sincere heart. This call to conversion is especially poignant during Lent, as we are invited to shed our old ways and renew our spirit in God's loving embrace.
The Gospel offers us a clear path to that transformation through love. In a profound dialogue with a scribe, Jesus distills the entirety of the Law into two essential commandments: to love God with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These are not mere suggestions but the very foundation upon which a life of true discipleship is built. By placing love at the center of our lives, we honor God and reflect His compassion and mercy in every interaction.
Dear friends, embracing this life of love requires real sacrifice—a U-turn from selfishness, envy, hatred, and pride toward a humble, kind, and generous heart. It calls us to view every person as precious, deserving of respect and compassion, just as we are. In a world marked by individualism and consumerism, our commitment to love boldly challenges the status quo and brings us closer to the heart of God.
May we, like St. Teresa, let our love for Jesus guide our actions. Let our lives be a testament to the transforming power of God's mercy, as we dedicate ourselves to loving God above all and loving one another as ourselves.
Let us pray for the grace to make that U-turn—to live a life where love reigns, and every day becomes an opportunity to reflect the true face of our Savior.
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