Today's readings show us the essence of true Christian religious and spiritual life. This essence is to know the Lord and answer to His call.

The Prophet Hosea reminds us that we should strive to know the Lord because He is always close to us. Lord's coming is certain as the dawn. His word and will is bright like the light of day. His presence in us and among us is like life-giving like spring rain that waters the earth. It is the Lord who wants to be known to us. He calls us in the same way like He called Abraham and Matthew.

There are two signs that we really know when we follow the Lord. The first of these signs is merciful love. It is love that is the greatest sacrifice because I must give my heart completely to the Lord and to others in order to love. It is impossible to love or be truly merciful when our heart is divided. The second sign that we know the Lord and follow Him is our trust in Him. We trust in the Lord when we hope against hope and glorify God even amidst trials and uncertainties of our life.

"Your piety is like a morning cloud, like the dew that early passes away." Is my religious life built on the knowledge of the Lord? Is my spirituality rooted in the love of God and neighbour? Does my piety reflect total trust in the Lord? Do I follow faithfully Jesus - the Divine Physician in order to learn from Him merciful love?