FRIDAY, THIRD WEEK OF LENT
Hos 14: 1-9 Ps 81: 6-11,14,17 Mk 12: 28-34
RETURNING WITH SIMPLE WORDS AND STEADY LOVE
One evening, a man sat quietly in his car after work, tired. The day was tough. Bills were waiting at home. A difficult conversation was coming. He felt unsure about what to do next. Sitting there, he finally said a simple prayer. “God, help me. I do not have the right words.” That small prayer is where today’s readings meet our daily lives.
In the first reading, Hosea speaks to people who have failed and wandered. God does not reject them. He invites them back. “Return to the Lord,” He says! He does not demand explanations or promises. He only asks them to come with honest words. This is comforting. God meets us when we are weak. He promises healing. He promises love that is freely given. God uses gentle images in the reading today! He speaks of dew, roots, branches, and fruit. Growth does not happen overnight. It happens quietly and slowly. Often without being noticed. This is how God works in our lives too. When we keep returning to Him, even in small ways, He slowly restores what feels broken.
In the Gospel, a scribe asks Jesus an important question: “What is it that matters most?” Jesus answers simply: Love God with your whole heart; love your neighbour as yourself. Faith is not meant to be complicated. It is lived in daily choices. Choosing patience. Choosing honesty. Choosing kindness, when it is not easy. The scribe understands this. He sees that love is greater than sacrifices. Jesus tells him he is not far from the kingdom of God. Many of us feel far from holiness because life is messy. But Jesus shows that being close to God begins with love. St. Teresa of Ávila urges us, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you. All things are passing. God never changes.” These words remind us that God remains steady. Today, returning to God may be as simple as a quiet prayer. Loving God may mean trusting Him in small moments. Loving others may start with patience at home or kindness at work. This is enough. God meets us there.
Response: I am the Lord your God, listen to my voice.
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