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Saturday, March 1, 2008
Hosea 6:1-6, Psalm 51, Luke 18:9-14
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/030108.shtml
MISPLACED CONFIDENCE
"What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah?"—Hosea
6:4
The Israelite worshipers sang a hymn which expressed their confidence that
God would respond favorably to their offerings and sacrifices: "He will
heal us...He will bind our wounds...He will raise us up, to live in His
presence...as certain as the dawn is His coming" (Hos 6:1-3). Jesus
painted a similar picture in today's Gospel reading. The Pharisee offered
sacrifices of tithes, fasting, and a life of holy deeds (Lk 18:11-12).
Just as his ancestors did, he prayed confidently to God, offering another
splendid sacrifice of prayer and holiness. The Israelites and Pharisee in
the readings were confident that God was delighted with offerings and
prayers. However, God reacts to these beautiful hymns and prayers with
frustration and disgust! He laments: "What can I do with you?" (Hos 6:4)
We are right to approach God confidently. The Lord approves this attitude
(see 2 Cor 3:12; 5:6-8). However, when we place our confidence in the
power of our own efforts to move God, we are "like a morning cloud...that
early passes away" (Hos 6:4). We fade away and God is left to exclaim:
"What can I do with you?" (Hos 6:4)
However, when we place all our confidence in Him and none in ourselves (Lk
18:13), then we truly have knowledge of God (Hos 6:6). Now God can say to
us: "What can I do with you? I will do with you greater works than Jesus
Himself did" (see Jn 14:12).
Prayer: "O God, be merciful to me, a sinner" (Lk 18:13).
Promise: "It is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God
rather than holocausts." —Hos 6:6
Praise: Dealing with a dire family situation taught Miranda how to rely on
the strength of the Lord rather than her own.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati,
August 14, 2007
The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.
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