A Word of Hope for Saturday, 14 Mar 2026 by Fr. Jordan DeGuire, OP.
**Where is your focus?** The readings today present a stark contrast between two types of believers. First, the Prophet Hosea warns against empty words—apologizing to God without actually changing our hearts. Second, Jesus tells the famous parable about the contrasting prayers of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
While the Pharisee seems to have his life together, his prayer is entirely self-centered ("Look at what *I* do"). The Tax Collector, though a sinner, focuses entirely on God's mercy. Fr. Jordan challenges us to stop treating God like a "backup plan"—someone we call only when our own strength fails—and invites us to finally let God take the driver's seat.
**Key Takeaways:**
* **Insincere Repentance:** Why saying the right words isn't enough if the heart doesn't change.
* **The Pharisee's Trap:** Doing the right things, but focusing on yourself rather than God.
* **The "Backup Plan" Mentality:** Do you rely on your own skills first and God second?
* **Surrender:** The peace that comes from giving up control.
**Timeline:**
* 00:00 - Introduction: Visiting the Friars at Purdue
* 00:26 - The Big Question: Where is your focus?
* 00:37 - Hosea: "I Desire Love, Not Sacrifice"
* 01:28 - The Pharisee vs. The Tax Collector
* 02:11 - Self-Focus vs. God-Focus
* 02:46 - Is God Your Backup Plan?
* 03:07 - Giving Up the Driver's Seat
**Readings for Today:**
Hosea 6:1-6 | Psalm 51:3-4, 18-19, 20-21ab | Luke 18:9-14
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