Saturday; March 29, 2014
The Illusion of “Sacrifice”
Verse 6 of the Hosea text says: "I’m after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.” From the Message. Jesus quotes this verse twice in his teachings. Both times he underscores it with a call to heed the words. These are words that I need to heed in my life as well.
In the NT, Jesus demonstrates this with a classic example of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector praying. Rohr summarizes it thusly; "I hope you have observed that Jesus is never upset at sinners! He is only upset with people who do not think they are sinners. The Pharisee is a public holy man who is not holy at all. The tax collector in Israel is a public sinner, with no credits to his name whatsoever, who ends up being the saint."
Quote from Rohr, Richard (2010-12-27). Wondrous Encounters: Scripture for Lent (pp. 78-79). St. Anthony Messenger Press. Kindle Edition.
