Friday of the 3rd week of Lent
Saint Patrick, Bishop, Missionary
First reading – Hosea 14:2-10
In these words of Prophet Hosea, we can see the unconditional love of God. The love of God despite our sins and our shortcomings. The forgiving Love. I will heal their disloyalty, I will love them with all my heart, for my anger has turned from them. The healing love of God which will heal our disloyalty. And this love is without any reservations because of our past sins. But He will love with all His heart. How beautiful and unconditional! Not only that He want to fall like dew upon us. He wants to give His grace, so that we shall flourish in all senses. He shall bloom like the lily, and thrust out roots like the poplar, his shoots will spread far; he will have the beauty of the olive and the fragrance of Lebanon. They will come back to live in my shade; they will grow corn that flourishes, they will cultivate vines as renowned as the wine of Helbon. The love of God is unconditional in forgiving and in giving. This love is that we must understand and repent if we have sinned. We must say, “Take all iniquity away so that we may have happiness again and offer you our words of praise”. Let’s reflect: Lent is the time to understand the unconditional forgiving and giving love of God and repent our sins.