April 1, Friday Lenten Weekday

I am the Lord your God: hear my voice. — Psalm 81:(see 11 and 9)

Mass readings: Hosea 14:2-10 / Mark 12:28-34

Complications of Sin 

A line in today’s first reading seems to apply both spiritually and psychologically. Speaking to the Israelites who have turned from Him, the Lord says, “You have collapsed through your guilt.” God doesn’t send fire and brimstone when we sin but the consequences of our sins weigh us down in so many ways that, eventually, we “collapse.” We implode. We’re not the person God intended us to be. The one He created us to be. 

Even so, the reading continues, all is not lost. If we ask His forgiveness — and stop that foolish sinning! — we can “blossom like the vine.” Today’s message is that, over time, it takes more effort to be bad than to be good because sin complicates our life in so many ways. 

Prayer: O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You.