Hosea continues with his telling the people of God's love for them. Again, turning to nature, he promises that he will come like the rain. In particular he mentions the spring rains that water the earth ... especially when the amount of snow has been minimal!!!
Carry that goodness, that giving from God, to the responsorial psalm. Here we encounter the sinner who has fallen and recognizes his/her ways that have separated God from their very being. What is clear in the voice of the psalmist is the desire for healing, for repairing.
During the days of Lent, hopefully the Holy Spirit has guided you to consider your gifts and talents. The lenten journey offers each person the opportunity to look at the many gifts God has given not simply for each person's own satisfaction but for the good of the community.
We are situated in a world that relies upon the good relationships between peoples. Healing the fissures that occur between God and our neighbor brings us a genuine peace of heart and soul. Recognizing our faults opens a door to a new freedom.
We do not have to be like the Pharisee in the gospel. Surely the hated tax collector had reason to atone ... and he does so in a very quiet manner, begging God for mercy. Bringing ourselves before a loving God, acknowledging our failures, our faults, and at the same time realizing how much freedom and power God gives to us, we become a new creation.
