I am grateful for God’s example of love in Hosea.  And I am grateful for the wisdom  in today’s Gospel reading about the greatest commandment.

Left to my own devices, I do not love freely and certainly I do not focus mind, heart and soul on love of God and neighbor.  At least not for very long.  My insecurities and petty jealousies, as well as just about any character defect you’d care to mention, have a way of interfering.

Today’s readings are good Lenten reminders of how much I need God.  I need His help in loving even the people I  think I love the most, my family and close friends.  How much more help do I need with the “neighbors” who aren’t so close to me?

I can bemoan my shortcomings.  Or I can accept them and welcome God’s completing love into my life.

My heart seems to know one thing without contradiction:  God’s love and only God’s love completes me.

In a time of fearful violence in the world, my prayer is that God will show me ways to express His love, His peace.