Lent 3, Saturday – Hos 5:1-6; Luke 18:9-14

Harden not your hearts today,
but listen to the voice of the Lord.

It’s pretty clear that in life, people operate based on different motives, something we observe time and again. Take, for instance, the story from the Temple of Jerusalem where the paths of the proud Pharisee and the humble tax collector crossed. Here we had one man absorbed in his own perfect image and another, burdened with regret, both reaching out to connect with God. Yet their approaches were starkly different. The former was busy showering himself with praises whereas the latter chose to bow down in awe of God’s majesty.

The Gospel doesn’t show Jesus condemning the Pharisee for who he was but rather highlighting the problematic nature of his attitude. This was an attitude that distanced itself from neighbourly love. True piety, after all, doesn’t involve seeing oneself as righteous while looking down on others. Instead, it’s rooted in humility, a heart full of contrition, acknowledging one’s own weaknesses, and an openness to the grace of God.

And, if I’m to be completely honest – sorry, God. I’m sorry that I tend to remember You mainly when I’m in need. I’m sorry for the times when I’m so caught up in my own issues that I forget about You as soon as things start going well. To truly engage with You, without any particular reason, not driven by a scramble to meet spiritual quotas but just to be in Your presence – that’s what genuine, selfless love looks like.