Straight Path

The Marian Fathers present this Lenten devotional series to help you prepare to receive graces on Easter and Divine Mercy Sunday.

Readings: Hos 14:2-10; Ps 81:6C-8A, 8BC-9, 19-11AB, 14 and 17; Mk 12:28-34
Diary: 1312, 1358, 1768

Straight are the paths of the LORD, in them the just walk, but sinners stumble in them. - Hos 14:10

What was Israel's problem? They had abandoned the ways of God. They were distracted from His commands. They created idols. They sought things rather than Him. Israel's sins had caused their collapse. What was God's response? He told them, "Return."

He said, "I will heal their defection." What interesting words! "Defection" here is an illness. They are sick because of it! But the Lord can make it better. He calls them to repent, to receive His mercy and abundant blessings.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus and a scribe agree on what the greatest commandment is:

One of the scribes came to Jesus and asked him, "Which is the first of all the commandments?" Jesus replied, "The first is this: Hear, O Israel! Th e Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Mk 12:28-31).

We're blessed to have the Lenten season to remind us to stay on the path that leads to abundant life.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow Your commandments, to love You above all, and to serve You, especially by serving my neighbor.

Missed a day? See previous "From Ashes to Mercy" daily meditations.