This morning's selection from the Prophet Hosea is very consoling, especially if we read it in the context of Lent. Hosea tells Israel (us) that it has :"collapsed" through its guilt. It is "flat out" and has no recourse except to turn to God for forgiveness and receive healing through his love, a love given freely and without limit. Such love brings us the sweetness of dew on the lilies and the strength of a Lebanon cedar. (Cf. Hos 14:2-10).
When one of the Scribes asks Jesus "which is the first of all commandments?" (Mk 12:28). Jesus answers with the Schema, the daily prayer of the Hebrews: to love God with all one's being, and to love one's neighbor as one's self. Love of God, self and neighbor. Simply said, but demanding of the "turn" proposed by Hosea. The work of a lifetime, yes, but each day of Lent provides the arena for that "extra effort" to accept and love self where we are today; the same with out neighbor, even the "difficult ones" and God, above all, as we spend time in prayer to discover more about him and allow him to draw our hearts toward him in love. All work together to bring healing to our wounded, weakened nature.
Bro. Rene
(Note: I will be attending a Symposium on the Brotherhood at the University of Notre Dame on Saturday and will not be able to post another slice of bread until Monday.)
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