The Call to Return:
Love, Mercy, and the Greatest Commandments
Friday of the Third Week of Lent: A Return to Love and Mercy
Return to the Lord
The first reading from Hosea 14 invites us into one of the most beautiful and hope-filled passages of the Old Testament. God, speaking through the prophet, calls Israel to return—not with burnt offerings, but with words of repentance, humility, and love. The Lord’s promise is overwhelming: He will heal their infidelity, love them freely, and restore them to flourishing. His imagery of lilies, vines, and olive trees speaks to a life rooted in grace and fruitfulness.
Even in our brokenness, God desires our return. He is not distant or angry but like the dew—gentle, refreshing, and life-giving. Hosea reminds us that idols, the work of our own hands, cannot save. It is only in God that the orphan finds compassion, the fallen are lifted, and the fruitless begin to bloom again.
Love is the Fulfillment of the Law
The Gospel from Mark 12 continues this theme of return by zeroing in on the very heart of the law. When asked which commandment is the greatest, Jesus doesn’t hesitate. First: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Second: love your neighbor as yourself.
What makes this moment so powerful is the scribe’s response. He doesn’t argue or challenge, but affirms the truth with wisdom and understanding. Jesus recognizes his insight and tells him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” Love is more than ritual—it is the offering God desires most.
The Path is Straight—But It Requires the Heart
Hosea concludes with a challenge: the paths of the Lord are straight, but it is only the just who walk them. Sinners stumble not because the road is unclear, but because their hearts have turned away.
Today’s readings are an invitation: return to the Lord not just in thought, but in heart, in love, in relationship. Let go of what cannot save. Recenter your life on what truly matters—loving God and loving others.
In this third week of Lent, may we heed this call to return—not with fear, but with faith. For the Lord is waiting to heal, bless, and make us fruitful again.
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Did You Pray Today?
Daily prayer is a powerful way to strengthen your faith, find peace, and invite God’s presence into your life. Even a few moments of prayer can bring clarity, comfort, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are starting your day, taking a break, or preparing for sleep, these short yet meaningful prayers help you stay connected to God.
Take a moment now to pray:
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
A Daily Habit of Prayer: These prayers take less than a minute, yet they bring us closer to God each day. Keep prayer at the center of your life and experience His love and guidance.
Walking in Faith, Growing in Grace
Every day is an opportunity to draw closer to God. In prayer, in scripture, and in the moments of stillness, He speaks to our hearts. Faith is not just about knowing—it’s about living, trusting, and walking in His light.
Through life’s joys and challenges, we are called to remain steadfast, to seek Him in all things, and to reflect His love in our words and actions. Even the smallest acts of faith— a whispered prayer, a kind word, a moment of gratitude— bring us deeper into His presence.
May this space be a source of encouragement, reflection, and renewal for you. Wherever you are on your journey, know that God is with you. Keep the faith, stay rooted in prayer, and continue seeking His truth.