DAY 25: Saturday of the Third Week of Lent - SPIRITUAL JOURNEY FROM LENT TOWARDS EASTER

Prophet Hosea in his time cries out to the Jews to return to the Lord. Though they are subjected to different chastisements, the Lord still loves them and do not forget His covenant with the people of Israel. He prefers love rather than holocausts or burnt offerings. Again, this should remind us on this present post-modern and pandemic age on the Word of the Lord asking us to turn back to Him in a real contrite spirit. In the Gospel reading according to Luke (Lk 18: 9-14), the Lord Jesus makes a comparison of the two opposing penitents with different attitude or state of heart when asking for forgiveness. Here is a concrete example or illustration of how the Lord treats those who are sincerely sorry for their sins and those kind of penitents who have "holier-than-thou" attitude. Fr. Budge accompanies us again on this our journey during Lent towards Easter.

"Lord, forgive us for all our transgressions, iniquities and imperfections. Make our hearts like unto thine so that we maybe able to love as you want us to love. Help us, O Lord, to possess a real contrite heart and create a clean heart on us so that we may be able to do your will."