Word to the Wise
Saturday, March 18, 2023 - 3rd Week of Lent - Sat
[Hos 6:1-6 and Luke 18:9-14]For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. [Hosea] "But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, 'O God, be merciful to me, a sinner." [Luke]
The parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee is one that I call attention to in preaching retreats. The Pharisee's prayer is essentially a boast. Although he thanks God that he is not like the rest of humanity, in saying that, he places himself squarely in the middle of humanity!!! The tax collector simply acknowledges his status as a sinner and his need for God's mercy. Jesus counts him as "justified." Prayer is the expression of our relationship with God. On a retreat, I challenge the retreatants to ask what their prayer says about their relationship to God?
The words from the prophet Hosea describe the tax collector. He shows love and knowledge of God. The Pharisee shows only an inflated ego. In Lent, we could pay attention to Hosea. We "sacrifice" a treasured treat for 40 days. Are we any closer to God as a result? If we approach the Sacrament of Reconciliation in this Lent, is it to acknowledge God's mercy, or is it to obtain relief from guilt? Do we show the same mercy to others? [cf. Matt. 18:21-35] The task of "cleaning up our act" is more than external "sacrifice." It means "internal sacrifice" of those attitudes and prejudices that cloud our relationship to God and neighbor. Acknowledging our need for God's mercy is the first big step! AMEN