False penitence

Today’s readings may be very challenging for many of us who consider ourselves good people and faithful Christians.

In the Gospel (Luke 19:9-14), a very religious man who is exemplary in a number of ways is described by Christ as not justified after praying.

In the first reading (Hosea 6:1-6), people talk of repentance and express confidence in God’s forgiveness, only to be rebuffed brutally by the Lord.

In both cases, these seemingly devout people lacked true and complete penitence. They did not understand how completely and deeply they needed to reform their lives.

Ultimately, of course, penitence itself is a gift from God.

May God give you and me an ever greater share of the grace of true and complete penitence, of the grace to live ever more faithfully, and of the grace of forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, be merciful to me - a sinner.