"Give us the grace to rise above our human weaknesses" For anyone who has sinned and especially for any person who opted for serious sin, the prophetic words of Hosea (14: 2-10) are a reminder of the genuine love God offers the sinner. In a peculiar and threatening way, to "rise above our human weaknesses" offers us such a magnificent experience of God's love that sin might be seen as a way to experience happiness beyond our human achievements. This is, to be sure, no encouragement to sin so that you can feel God's love! For anyone who lives with the reality of past sinfulness (not guilt!) Hosea's promise to us from God should lead to thoughts of great desire to share in this love and to the desire to give thanks and praise to God.
If, at one time or another, sin has separated you from God, turn back to this magnificent love. Using similes from the world of nature, Hosea paints a picture of the happiness brought about by conversion. Read the list offered: experience the inner joy of returning to the Lord. Is there any reality in life that is more rewarding? The "gods" created in our lives and that separated us from God cannot bring us to the happiness promised in the Hosea prophecy. For the "faithful departed" because of sin, God gives his care and love just as he showers compassion upon the orphan.
May the Eucharist bring us "to know fully the redemption we have received" (Prayer after Communion). Let the river of your life bring you to bath in the refreshing waters given by our God.
