I can feel the promise of Easter teeming in the words of the prophet Hosea. Each time I sit down to reflect on today’s readings, I hear Marty Haugen’s hymn: “Return to God with all your heart, the source of grace and mercy; Come seek the tender faithfulness of God.” It plays on a loop in my head as I contemplate the idea of God “who will come to us like the rain, like spring rain that waters the earth.” The words of Hosea are a tonic that help anchor me through the season of Lent.

With this, I turn to the Gospel, to a parable that warns us about self-righteousness. I snap to attention, because I often catch myself downplaying my own shortcomings by holding them up to those of others—many in positions of power and fame—whose sins seem more obvious and egregious than mine. Like the people to whom Jesus addresses today’s parable, I find it easy to fall into the trap of trying to convince myself of my righteousness. Ignoring my sins to point a finger at others does not make way for growth, healing, and reconciliation.

Lord, I ask for the courage and wisdom to acknowledge when I, as Fr. Bob would say, “miss the mark,” so I can make a true return to You.