THE JOURNEY OF LENT THROUGH THE EYES OF PROPHET HOSEA (14:2-10).

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Today, we reflect on the final chapter of Hosea (14:2-10). It's significant that Hosea concludes his prophetic mission with a message of repentance, forgiveness, and restoration. In this way, he provides us with a summary of his message, inviting us to allow this resonates deeply in us, especially during this season of Lent, of which we’re already in the third week.

Hosea's message can be received today as an invitation to reflect and meditate on our Lenten experience so far and question ourselves. Where are we today with God's initial call through prophet Joel, inviting us to "Tear our hearts and not our garments."? Do we feel closer to God now than when we began Lent? Or have we remained unchanged? What is truly new in the way we are living Lent this year compared to last year? 

We began this journey with Jesus in the desert, where He exposed all the forms of temptations we can experience and how to conquer them. Let us therefore reflect more deeply on our lives today, recognize our shortcomings before God with sincere hearts through prayer, penance, and acts of charity.

In Hosea 14:2-10, God calls Israel to return with these words: “'Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to him: "Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips” This plea for repentance goes beyond simply turning away from sin; it’s a call to allow God transform our hearts and lives by His grace, in other to speak and act in ways that honor God. Our prayer, fasting, and almsgiving should express our desire for a closer relationship with Him.

Through Hosea, God reveals His boundless mercy and readiness to heal and restore those who return.  He says: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them.” This assurance of forgiveness is central to the Lenten message. It reminds us that no matter how far we may stray, God's compassion is always available if we return with genuine contrition.

Hosea further speaks of the transformative power of God's love: “I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like a lily. Like a cedar of Lebanon, he will send down his roots; his young shoots will grow.” These verses beautifully illustrate the new life and growth that follow true repentance and reconciliation with God. Lent is the ideal time to experience this regeneration, to become new creations in Christ, shedding the old life of sin and embracing a life that reflects God's love and grace.

A close look at the way our society evolves make us realize that the concept of sin has become blurry. Therefore, we need the Holy Spirit’s, the Spirit of Truth that will lead us to the entire truth, to illuminate our minds and dispel the darkness of sin. We are freed from sins by exposing them before God, especially in the sacrament of reconciliation. Satan tempts us to hide them, knowing this.

In a world full of distractions and temptations, the call to return to God with all our hearts remains crucial.  Lent provides a designated time to heed this call, assess our spiritual lives, and make concrete changes that draw us closer to God and our neighbors. It reminds us that our relationship with God requires ongoing effort, but also reassures us of His eagerness to forgive and renew us.

With Hosea, we can discover or rediscover the joy of forgiveness and the beauty of spiritual renewal. Let us always approach God with humility and sincerity, for such an approach leads to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him. This will always lead us to happy and fulfilled life.  May the message of Hosea guide us back to the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father….Amen.


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