Daily Readings for March 10, 2018

1ST READING

It is easy to say pious things and make promises to serve the Gospel. The question is, do we act on these words and promises? The Scriptures remind us to live out our faith and not let it remain one of our aspirations. Let us have a vision for our mission and put this into action.

Hosea 6:1-6

1 “Come, let us return to the Lord, it is he who has rent, but he will heal us; he has struck us, but he will bind our wounds. 2 He will revive us after two days; on the third day he will raise us up, to live in his presence. 3 Let us know, let us strive to know the Lord; as certain as the dawn is his coming, and his judgment shines forth like the light of day! He will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” 4 What can I do with you, Ephraim? What can I do with you, Judah? Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away. 5 For this reason I smote them through the prophets, I slew them by the words of my mouth; 6 for it is love that I desire, not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

P S A L M

Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21

R: It is mercy I desire, and not sacrifice.

1 [3] Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense. 2 [4] Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. (R) 16 [18] For you are not pleased with sacrifices; should I offer a burnt offering, you would not accept it. 17 [19] My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a heart contrite and humbled, O God, you will not spurn. (R) 18 [20] Be bountiful, O Lord, to Zion in your kindness by rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. 19 [21] Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and holocausts. (R)

GOSPEL

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that real generosity is measured by the state of the giver’s heart. Our attitude towards giving matters more than the amount we give. Jesus gives His life and dies on the cross because He loves us and wants to make a way for us to reconcile with the Father — and not only to obey the Father’s will. What is the attitude of your heart when you give your time, treasure, and talents? Do I give lovingly or reluctantly?

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Luke 18:9-14

9 Jesus addressed this parable to those who were convinced of their own righteousness and despised everyone else. 10 “Two people went up to the temple area to pray; one was a Pharisee and the other was a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee took up his position and spoke this prayer to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, adulterous — or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, and I pay tithes on my whole income.’ 13 But the tax collector stood off at a distance and would not even raise his eyes to heaven but beat his breast and prayed, ‘O God, be merciful to me a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, the latter went home justified, not the former; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”