Lent Week 3: Friday
THE SUMMON TO LOVE
One of the most beautiful books of the Old Testament is that of the Prophet Hosea, whose passionate love for his wayward wife mirrors the unfailing devotion of God for his people, for the children he has chosen as his own. While Hosea’s wife betrayed his love for other men, Israel fell into the worship of false gods.
In the words of Hosea, we hear described the words of the Original Lover of humanity, the loving God and Father of all:
“I will heal their defection, says the LORD,
I will love them freely;
for my wrath is turned away from them.
I will be like the dew for Israel:
he shall blossom like the lily;
He shall strike root like the Lebanon cedar,
and put forth his shoots.
His splendor shall be like the olive tree
and his fragrance like the Lebanon cedar.
Again they shall dwell in his shade
and raise grain;
They shall blossom like the vine,
and his fame shall be like the wine of Lebanon.”
These words were spoken to a people who lived apart from the Lord, whose hearts were turned inward to themselves, whose loyalty could be found elsewhere. And yet, the Lord lavishes his love on his people, not waiting for them to be perfect, not desiring them to immediately understand. His love is powerful and tender at the same time.
In Jesus, the Lord teaches us how to love. As Jesus reminds us of the twofold commandment of love of God and neighbor, it is he who enables us to respond generously to the Father’s love. The heart of Jesus is the perfect response to the perfect love of the Father; it is only with him and through him that we can love God in return.
Today let us ask the Lord to make our hearts like his own, able to offer everything to the Father and to receive and respect our brothers and sisters.
