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"On the third day he will raise us up". When Hosea spoke these words, he was thinking of the restoration of Israel: he was not necessarily thinking of a resurrection from death. As he spoke these words, however, Hosea was proclaiming a great hope for Israel. He taught us a great theological truth: the "third day" is always a day of consolation. Mary and Joseph found Jesus in the Temple on the third day. On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee [Jn 2]. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead. Hosea had this vision of the third day as a day of healing, of consolation. How much more meaningful for us are all Hosea's words since Jesus rose from the dead on the third day.
Lent is a time for recognizing that we are in need of healing, a time for looking realistically at our many wounds and so come to God seeking healing and wholeness. A terrible wound may be death-dealing, but our wounds are healed and so we live in Jesus, our risen Lord. We live in the presence of God because of him.
Father, heal us and console us, raise us up in union with Jesus Your Son, so that we can live in Your presence here on earth and come to the fullness of life in heaven.
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DAILY OFFERING
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Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That each one of the people of God and their pastors, may grow in their realization of the importance of the sacrament of reconciliation, the gift of God's merciful love.
Elaboration
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